Experts have stated that 71% of deaths in Bangladesh are linked to high blood pressure. In addition, other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) also contribute significantly to the mortality rate. They also highlighted that the government's budget allocation for addressing these diseases is only 4.2%, a figure they deem insufficient.
These insights were shared at a webinar titled "Controlling High Blood Pressure for Public Health Protection: A Bangladesh Perspective," organized by the advocacy and research organisation Pragya (Knowledge for Progress) to mark World Health Day 2025, which falls on April 9. The event was held in collaboration with the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI).
Experts emphasised that high blood pressure is one of the leading causes of various non-communicable diseases in the country. They stressed the need for increased budget allocation for the sector in the upcoming 2025-26 fiscal year and sustainable financing to control high blood pressure.
Bangladesh has committed to addressing non-communicable diseases as part of primary healthcare services. However, experts noted that there has been no significant success in utilizing the allocated funds for this purpose.
The webinar also underscored the importance of ensuring the availability of hypertension medications at all community clinics and upazila health complexes to control the risks associated with high blood pressure. For this, experts stressed the need for sustainable funding.
Memorial of late Professor Arefin Siddique’s held at DU
Dr. Muhammad Habibur Rahman, Line Director of the Community-Based Health Care (CBHC) at the Directorate General of Health Services, stated, "The government has taken the initiative to supply hypertension medication to upazila health complexes and community clinics. Currently, there is a slight shortage of medication, but we expect to overcome it shortly."
Dr. Abu Jamil Faisal, a public health expert and president of the Public Health Association of Bangladesh, emphasized that to prevent the worsening of high blood pressure, changes in diet and lifestyle are essential, along with a strong emphasis on increasing the budget for this critical issue.