Bangladesh Urban Health Network (BUHN) Holds Inaugural AC Meeting

Dhaka, Bangladesh - On June 26, 2023, Bangladesh Urban Health Network (BUHN) held its
first Advisory Committee (AC) meeting. Due to the participants' busy schedules, the meeting
took place online via the Zoom platform. The primary objective of the meeting was to discuss
and document the key points raised during the session. The meeting commenced promptly at
09:00 am, with representatives from esteemed organizations joining the virtual gathering on
Zoom. The proceedings began with a warm welcome speech delivered by Dr. Jucy Merina
Adhikari, Dr. Zahirul Islam, and Dr. Shamim Hayder Talukder. Additionally, a video statement
by Mr. Abul Kalam Azad was presented to the attendees.
The discussions during the meeting revolved around several important topics. Dr. Margub Aref
Jahangir from UNICEF Bangladesh shared perspectives on reproductive health and discussed
urban primary healthcare (PHC) initiatives. Furthermore, the urban PHC framework of Urban
Health in Bangladesh was discussed. Dr. Shamim Hayder Talukder, the Member Secretary of
BUHN, shared the organization's history, structure, Executive Committee members, and the roles
of the Advisory Committee. During the meeting, Dr. Lima Rahman from Save the Children,
Bangladesh, presented a proposed list of 28-member AC and recorded the advice and feedback
provided by the participants. Shishir Moral, a Special Correspondent from Prothom Alo,
suggested conducting a training program for 20-30 journalists to enhance their understanding of
urban health issues. Dr. Shehlina Ahmed, an Individual Consultant, proposed the coordination
and establishment of a bridge between the AC and EC members. Prof. Dr. Shah Monir Hossain
from Bangladesh Non-Communicable Diseases Forum (BNCDF) recommended that BUHN
assume a sustainable supporting role in implementing urban health programs. Dr. Morsheda
Chowdhury presents the proposed activities plan for BUHN for 2023-24, encompassing regular
social media updates, monthly newsletters, weekly newspaper articles, meetings at various
levels, policy paper development, and the organization of national, regional, and international
conferences.
A.F.M Alauddin Khan, the Project Director of UPHCSDP-II, LGRD&C, highlighted the
inevitable nature of rapid urbanization, stating that it is a political agenda known as "Amar gram,
amar shohor" (আমার গ্রাম, আমার শহর) of the current government. The availability of
healthcare services in urban areas was discussed, with tertiary level hospitals concentrated in big
cities and primary healthcare services provided at community clinics in villages. However, the
significant gap between the capacity for urban primary healthcare services and the urban
population, along with the need for coordination among the public, private, and development
sectors, was emphasized. Dr. Hasan stressed the complexity of urban health situations and the
diverse populations that need attention, from high-profile individuals to slum dwellers.
Prof. Dr. Ahmedul Kabir, Additional Director General (Planning and Research) of Health
Service Division, DGHS, MoHFW, highlighted the disparity between the demand and supply of

healthcare facilities in urban areas. He stressed the importance of a long-term plan based on
evidence for effective implementation and called for coordination among stakeholders.
Md. Jahangir Hossain, Additional Secretary (Planning Wing) of Health Service Division,
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, appreciated the dedication and ownership shown by the
team members. He noted the gaps in urban primary healthcare and discussed the 5th Sectoral
Program's operational plan to address these issues. It was suggested that BUHN provide a
proposal for an upcoming workshop and establish alignment between BUHN and the
government.
Various other participants also shared their insights during the meeting, emphasizing the need for
coordination, addressing the complexity of urban health situations, and ensuring long-term plans
based on evidence for effective implementation. The AC meeting of BUHN was deemed
successful, with the participants expressing their willingness to attend the upcoming in-person
meeting. The meeting minutes, presentations, and policy briefs from the first meeting will be
shared promptly with the members. The BUHN aims to continue its efforts in improving urban
health with the support of the AC and stakeholders involved. The meeting concluded with the
decision to hold the next meeting in-person after the Eid-ul-Adha vacation.