The prevalence of non–communicable diseases (NCDs) is surging globally. Yet, NCDs receive less than 3% of annual development assistance for health to low and middle income countries. It is therefore mandatory to establish political will and prioritizing NCDs in the midst of other health struggles. Hence, sensing the urgency of raising voice in the parliaments and different ministries and constitutions, a forum is needed to build consisting parliamentary members who represents different standing committees and ministries like Health, Education, Trade and Commerce, Finance, Local Government and Cooperative. The forum has great potential to effect innovative changes in addressing the common concerns regarding NCDs, building stronger democratic institutions, advocating for good governance and accountability and sharing good practice.The Non Communicable Disease forum (NCDF) and Eminence Associates for Social Development jointly organised a meeting for the formation of Members of Parliament for NCD Forum, Bangladesh on today, 20th January2016 at conference hall of the National Parliament, Dhaka. The notable participants discussed the scopes and opportunities of establishing such forum in Bangladesh.
The meeting served as a stakeholder gathering of member of parliamentary, doctors ,professor , researchers, officials, and influential media to discuss on the situation of Non Communicable Disease(including- cancer, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, stroke.), the scopes of the members of the parliament to form a common platform such as a forum to contribute through evidence based policy and advocacy strategies formation and implementation, opportunities of contributing significantly in the prevention and management of Non Communicable Diseases locally, regionally and globally.
The meeting was presided by Prof. Dr. Shah Munir Hossain, Advisor, Food and Agricultural Organization. Prof. Dr.A.F.M. Ruhal Haq,(Honorable Member of Parliament and Member of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Science and Technology, Member of Public Accounts Committee of Health & Family Welfare) adorned the chair of special guest while Dr. Habibe Millat, (Honorable Member of Parliament), acted as the chief guest of the meeting. Dr. Shamim Hayder Talukder, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Eminence gave a presentation introducing action plan for NCDF Bangladesh in the SDGs era.
The meeting covered – introducing Action Plan for NCDF Bangladesh; Information update regarding global targets; policies and strategies; scopes of forming a parliamentary forum for NCD prevention and management in Bangladesh; propose structure for the NCDs related parliamentary forum; propose formation date of NCDs related parliamentary forum; propose date of First national Congress on NCDs. – Press release
