Bangladesh Urban Health Network (BUHN) Participates in ICUH-2023 in Atlanta, USA

The Bangladesh Urban Health Network (BUHN) has been set to significantly influence the global stage as it has participated in the International Conference of Urban Health, taking place in Atlanta, USA, from November 6 to November 9, 2023. The International Society for Urban Health (ISUH) has organized the 19th International Conference on Urban Health (ICUH), which is a key global assembly of multidisciplinary professionals, researchers, policymakers, and community advocates committed to improving urban health around the globe.

“Turning Evidence into Impact: Urban Health as a Driver of Greater Equity and Social Justice” this year's topic, reflects the spirit of the conference. The event intended to unite world-class experts to investigate creative forms of city policy, development, and design that promote holistic health, well-being, and equity for people of all ages, from 8 to 80 and beyond. The network's representatives were poised to contribute to this important event through their participation in oral presentations, poster presentations, and a panel discussion session. This participation has not only reflected BUHN's commitment to improving urban health in Bangladesh but also has shared its dedication to sharing insights and experiences with the international community.

Representatives has presented poster presentations on “Universal Health Coverage Status in Urban Bangladesh” and “Nutrition Status in Urban Bangladesh”, and an oral presentation on “Status of NCDs in Urban Areas of Bangladesh” from BUHN. Through oral presentations, poster presentations, and panel discussions, BUHN has shared its experiences, research findings, and initiatives, while also learning from international peers. One of the highlights of BUHN's participation in the International Conference of Urban Health has been the panel discussion session. This panel discussion session has enabled BUHN to share insights on “Urban Health System in Bangladesh: Challenges and Way Forward”. Prof. Jo Ivey Boufford, MD, Former Chair, ISUH & Clinical Professor of Global Health at New York University NYU School of Global Public Health has Chaired the panel discussion session. As speakers-  Dr. Md. Shamim Hayder Talukder,  Member Secretary, BUHN; Dr. Mohammad Zahirul Islam, Senior Programme Officer, Development Cooperation Section, Embassy of Sweden, Bangladesh; Dr. Margub Aref Jahangir, Health Officer (Urban), Health Section, Unicef Bangladesh; Dr. Md Saidur Rahman, Team Leader- Model Urban Primary Health Care Clinics project (Aalo Clinic), UNICEF Bangladesh; and Dr. Karar Zunaid Ahsan, Assistant Professor, Public Health, Leadership Program (PHLP), UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, USA has also shared their enlightening presentations in the session. The international audience has gained a better understanding of the complexities and nuances of urban health in Bangladesh, thereby fostering a more comprehensive global perspective on this critical issue.

The participation of the Bangladesh Urban Health Network in the ICUH- 2023 is a testament to the network's dedication to improving the urban health landscape in Bangladesh and contributing to the global urban health discourse. This participation has not only enhanced the network's knowledge but also has facilitated collaborations and partnerships that can have a lasting impact on urban health in Bangladesh and beyond. BUHN's involvement in this event is a significant step towards achieving better urban health outcomes and building a stronger global community dedicated to improving the health and well-being of urban populations.