DHAKA, Mar 4, 2023 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury today said the health dimension would be incorporated into the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) to address environment-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including dengue, Chikungunya and malaria.

He made the remark while speaking as the chief guest at NIHR Global Health Research Centres Symposium, organised by icddr,b on Non-Communicable Diseases and Environmental Change, held at Westin Hotel here.
 
Highlighting the connection between health and climate change, Saber Hossain said climate change poses a severe threat to humans, impacting health and causing Non-Communicable Diseases (NDCs).
Environmental changes, particularly salinity in coastal water, are posing adverse impacts on health, contributing to NDCs related to climate change, he said.
 
Mentioning that Bangladesh wants to be a global partner in research, the environment minister said research action is required for the country.
 
Saber Hossain said projects to ensure safe drinking water in saline-prone coastal zones and a comprehensive delta plan for sustainable growth are underway.

Forestation along the coastline is being created to protect the lives of people during natural disasters as Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, he said.

The environment minister also mentioned his ministry's 100-day programme for a healthier Bangladesh.

He said effective initiatives have been taken to combat air, water and plastic pollution, remove illegal brick kilns, and promote environmental education.

Matt Cannell, Acting British High Commissioner in Dhaka; Professor Kara Hanson, Dean of Faculty, Public Health and Policy, The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and Director of the Global Health Research Programme, National Institute of Health and Care Research; Dr Tahmeed Ahmed, Executive Director, icddr,b; and Dr Aliya Naheed, Scientist, Nutrition Research Division, icddr,b, among others, were present.