Ziaur Rahman Foundation Vice-President and cardiologist Dr Zubaida Rahman on Saturday said the government is recruiting 100,000 healthcare workers, 80 percent of whom are women, to help raise awareness about preventive healthcare measures across the country.

“100,000 healthcare workers are being recruited, 80 percent of whom are women, who will help convey preventive measures. The present government's vision to build a healthier Bangladesh incorporates preventive measures,” she said at a programme titled “Celebrating an Era of ideSHi” as the chief guest at a hotel in the capital.

The event was organised by ideSHi to mark 12 years of its contributions to scientific research since its establishment in 2014. This year's theme is “Advancing Science, Together”.

Zubaida said millions of women in more than 90,000 villages across Bangladesh are suffering from preventable illnesses.

She said preventive measures against certain diseases had not been adequately promoted due to years of neglect in the health sector.

“Research, testing and trust are required to take the knowledge of prevention from door to door. ideSHi has been trying to reach our people in that way for the last 12 years,” she said.

Zubaida said building a healthier Bangladesh for its large population would require hard work from everyone.

She commended and congratulated ideSHi and its founder, renowned Bangladeshi scientist Dr Ferdousi Kadri, for their work and dedication.

She said the present government is trying to encourage young people across the country to pursue science, innovation and technology, stressing the need for more scientists.

She expressed hope that by studying, addressing and preventing the country's own problems, Bangladesh could achieve significant progress in the health sector and earn global recognition.

However, she said such progress would require patient support, honest partnerships and meticulous efforts from the government, research universities and pharmaceutical industries.

Zubaida also urged young scientists not to become disheartened by the slow progress of their work, saying they should take pride in their contributions to helping people lead healthier lives.

Prime Minister's Special Assistant for Health Dr S M Ziauddin Haider also attended the program.

Senior government officials, prominent figures from the health and science sectors, representatives of international organisations, researchers and pharmaceutical industry representatives also attended the event.

The daylong programme included an inaugural session and five expert panel discussions on key issues concerning Bangladesh's public health sector.