Zubaida Rahman Calls on Sasakawa Peace Foundation to Expand Healthcare Support in Bangladesh

Dr Zubaida Rahman has urged the Sasakawa Peace Foundation to expand its healthcare support in Bangladesh.

She said the current government had identified healthcare, education and social protection as key policy priorities. The government has taken initiatives to ensure affordable healthcare for all, improve public health services, recruit healthcare workers and expand access to health and education for disadvantaged communities.

She said the government was also working to improve living standards through employment-oriented education, greater educational opportunities for disadvantaged students, family-based social assistance programmes and family cards.

Describing health as an important area of her professional and personal interest, Dr Zubaida Rahman stressed the importance of ensuring physical and mental well-being.

She said Bangladesh-Japan relations were steadily developing, creating opportunities for both countries to address emerging challenges in health and social welfare by sharing their experience, knowledge and expertise.

Both countries were committed to ensuring a healthy environment for children and helping them realise their full potential, she said. Achieving this goal requires sustainable social systems, strong economies, quality education and protection from violence, poverty and other risks.

Highlighting the importance of health diplomacy in an increasingly interconnected world, Dr Zubaida Rahman said it could play a vital role in achieving the shared goal of “health for all”.

She also highlighted the contributions of non-governmental organisations, international institutions, voluntary initiatives and philanthropic foundations to improving maternal and child health in Bangladesh, alongside government efforts.

Drawing on her professional experience as a physician in Bangladesh, she said the country had considerable potential to implement effective health policies, advance medical research and develop modern healthcare institutions.

Praising the Sasakawa Peace Foundation’s efforts to protect the health of children and vulnerable communities, Dr Zubaida Rahman urged the foundation to expand its activities in Bangladesh and provide greater resources and cooperation to address emerging health challenges.

She said the government was ready to extend full support to initiatives aimed at protecting and improving health and ensuring sustainable healthcare services in the long term.

Yohei Sasakawa, honorary chairman of the Nippon Foundation and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, and other distinguished guests attended the seminar.