Present Times Report:
Public health experts and policymakers have urged the government to strengthen climate-health financing in the FY2026–27 national budget, warning that budget allocations are failing to keep pace with Bangladesh’s growing climate-related health challenges.
The call came at a policy dialogue titled “Climate Resilient Health System and Health Financing in Bangladesh” organized by CPRD, in collaboration with HEKS/EPER and Shushilan, at BRAC Centre Inn in Dhaka on Friday.
According to studies presented at the event, climate-related allocations within the Health Services Division fell from 2.74 percent of its total budget in FY2021–22 to 1.97 percent in FY2025–26. Health’s share of the national climate budget also declined from around 2.5 percent to 1.5 percent during the same period.
Researchers highlighted the severe impact of climate change on women’s reproductive health in coastal areas, citing high rates of menstrual disorders, pregnancy complications, and limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
Speakers noted that despite health being recognized as a priority in national climate policies, financing remains inadequate. Less than one percent of the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund has been allocated to health-related projects, with only three health projects funded out of 877 approved initiatives.
The dialogue concluded with recommendations for stronger integration of health adaptation priorities into the national budget, improved climate-budget tracking, increased funding for preparedness and disease surveillance, and greater access to climate finance for health-sector adaptation programs.
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