Bangladesh a health model

The WHO’s South-East Asia regional countries have much to learn from Bangladesh, the UN agency’s chief Margaret Chan has said.

She praised Bangladesh’s overall health achievements and described its health leadership as “inspiring” that could serve as a lesson for other countries of the region.

The Dictor-General was speaking at the inauguration of the WHO SEARO’s meeting, which began in Dhaka on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the gathering that drew ministers of eleven countries.

Chan said Bangladesh’s “stunning rise” in the overall health status and life expectancy had been internationally documented.

And it overcame many challenges the country had faced, she said.

Despite many challenges Bangladesh had faced over decades, “the solid improvements in the country’s health system and the services it provides, together with a stunning rise in overall health status and life expectancy have been internationally documented”.

“The countries of the Region have much to learn from the rich experience and inspiring health leadership of Bangladesh.”

Bangladesh, Bhutan, North Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste are the members of WHO’s South-East Asia Region.

Opening the meetings, Prime Minister Hasina made a personal plea to the health delegates from the countries to support Bangladesh’s efforts to mobilize global support for the cause of autism.

“It is imperative that individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities must find easy access to improved diagnosis and services,” she said as Bangladesh was pursuing “universal health coverage” for all.