With strong leadership from the government of Bangladesh and technical support from WHO, every Bangladeshi - wherever they live - can be better protected from NCDs and live longer, healthier lives, said the UN agency.
In a first-of-its-kind move, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) last week briefed more than 80 Bangladesh Missions worldwide on addressing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) among millions of Bangladeshis living abroad.
The initiative builds on a landmark development in 2025, when 35 ministries signed a Joint Declaration, launching a new era of coordinated national action to prevent and control NCDs, according to the UN agency.
In Bangladesh, WHO said, NCDs account for 71% of all deaths. For many expatriates, risks may be even higher due to demanding work conditions, limited access to health services, and lifestyle-related factors.
The consultation will inform the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh’s ongoing work to develop a dedicated NCD workplan, with missions already contributing practical, context-specific recommendations.