Experts call for urgent review of NGO’s role in strengthening Bangladesh’s health landscape
However, financial sustainability and integration challenges continue to hinder the NGOs' effectiveness, they added
Experts have called for an urgent review of the role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in strengthening Bangladesh's health landscape today (12 March).
NGOs have been playing an important role in taking basic healthcare to under-served areas and strengthening community engagement with public health infrastructures, they said at a debate programme on health issues in the capital.
However, financial sustainability and integration challenges continue to hinder the NGOs' effectiveness, they added.
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The event was organised by the Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC) and the UHC Forum, with support from UNICEF in the capital, reads a press statement.
Moderating the event, PPRC Executive Chairman and UHC Forum Convener Hossain Zillur Rahman emphasised the urgent need for stronger collaboration among NGOs to improve efficiency and prevent resource misallocation.
He called for greater government-NGO coordination, improved financial governance, and strategic policy engagement to strengthen Bangladesh's healthcare system to accelerate the realisation of UHC.
Speakers at the programme also said there are also concerns about duplication and undue projectisation approaches without long-term impacts.
Citing an NGO Affairs Bureau's report, they said in 2024, 187 NGOs got Tk2,193 crore as external funding for health projects, which included health service, advocacy and awareness-building areas.
Although a cut in external funding has cast a shadow over the sector, speakers stressed that the time should also be used by the NGOs for a holistic assessment of where they can contribute to the emerging health challenges of post-uprising Bangladesh.
Speakers also emphasised the urgent need for alternative financing models to ensure the long-term viability of NGO-led health initiatives.
Experts present at the debate also highlighted the fragmented nature of NGO service provision, where many organisations operate independently, leading to service duplication in some areas and gaps in coverage in others.
At the event, experts called for a comprehensive mapping of NGO services, funding sources, and beneficiaries to ensure equitable distribution of healthcare resources, particularly in underserved areas.
Among others, Mohammad Abdul Wazed from PPRC; Goutum Banik from Save the Children International; Md Rezaul Hasan from City Special Branch; Mir Masud Rahman from Directorate General of Family Planning (DGFP); Dr M A Faiz, former DG of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS); Mohammad Khairul Hasan from UNICEF; Nabinur Rahman from Concern Worldwide; Sohana Shafique from icddr,b; Dr Rezaul Haque from Gonoshasthaya Kendra; Kazi Morshed Alam from ActionAid Bangladesh; Saiha Marjia from BRAC; Dr Md Aminul Hasan from UHC Forum; Md Jafar Uddin from BRAC; Aeroangajeb Al Hossain from WaterAid Bangladesh and some others.
