The government of Bangladesh and the World Health Organization (WHO) have stressed stronger protection against noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) to ensure longer, healthier lives for all Bangladeshis, including those living abroad.
“With strong leadership from the government and technical support from WHO, every Bangladeshi, wherever they live, can be better protected from NCDs,” the UN agency said.
In a first-of-its-kind move, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) last week briefed more than 80 Bangladesh missions worldwide on addressing NCDs among millions of expatriates.
The initiative builds on a landmark development in 2025, when 35 ministries signed a joint declaration, marking a coordinated national approach to prevent and control NCDs, WHO said.
In Bangladesh, NCDs account for 71 per cent of all deaths, according to the agency.
For many expatriates, risks may be higher due to demanding work conditions, limited access to healthcare, and lifestyle-related factors.
The consultation will support MOFA’s ongoing efforts to develop a dedicated NCD workplan, with missions already providing practical, context-specific recommendations.
