Govt sets timeline to fast-track 35 ministries' NCD control action plans
According to officials, NCDs account for around 71% of all deaths in Bangladesh, with nearly half occurring prematurely.
The government has stepped up initiatives to implement a landmark inter-ministerial declaration on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), directing 35 ministries and divisions to prepare time-bound action plans and strengthen coordination mechanisms.
The initiative also emphasised the importance of adopting a "Health in All Policies" approach, integrating health considerations into the policies and development plans of all ministries to ensure a coordinated response to the rising burden of NCDs.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting of the Coordination Committee on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases held at the Cabinet Division conference room at the Secretariat yesterday.
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The meeting was chaired by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani and moderated by Health Services Division Secretary Md Kamruzzaman Chowdhury. Senior secretaries and secretaries from 35 ministries and divisions attended the session, along with World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Bangladesh Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed.
Officials said each ministry will prepare sector-specific action plans with clear targets, implementation frameworks and measurable indicators to support the Joint Declaration on NCD prevention and control. The plans are expected to be finalised within one to three months.
The meeting stressed the need for adequate financial allocation, skilled manpower and technical support to ensure effective implementation. It also highlighted the importance of aligning NCD-related interventions with annual and medium-term budget frameworks to guarantee sustainability.
As part of the coordination mechanism, all ministries have been instructed to nominate a senior official as focal point within one month. These officials will receive orientation on evidence-based and cost-effective interventions, including WHO-recommended NCD "Best Buy" measures targeting major risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity.
Speaking at the meeting, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani said NCD prevention remains one of the government's top priorities. He called for innovative, time-bound action plans to address the growing health burden.
"If we can convince people that prevention is more important than medicine or treatment, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases will decline," he said.
The committee also decided to introduce measurable indicators to monitor progress and evaluate outcomes on a regular basis. Ministries will submit annual progress reports, which will be reviewed to guide future priorities.
According to officials, NCDs account for around 71% of all deaths in Bangladesh, with nearly half occurring prematurely. A Joint Declaration involving 35 ministries was signed on 20 August 2025, while the coordination committee was formed in January 2026 to oversee implementation.
