Bangladesh plans $280 million initiative for women’s health

Bangladesh and the European Investment Bank (EIB) plan to direct €250 million (approximately $280 million) from an existing sovereign loan toward women’s health and stronger medical services, according to The Business Standard.

The proposed Women’s Health Initiative would serve about 47 million women and girls from 2027 through 2031. It would expand maternal and newborn care, cervical and breast cancer services, primary care, referrals, district hospitals, critical care, and emergency obstetric services.

The money was approved in 2021 for coronavirus immunization, pandemic preparedness, and broader health system resilience. The new plan would redirect those funds.

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) programs helped develop the initiative and are expected to provide technical expertise during implementation.

Health minister Sardar Sakhawat Husain said the initiative would prioritize prevention and bring quality services closer to communities across Bangladesh.