The government of Bangladesh is exploring alternatives to sustain 38 major health initiatives, including programs on disease control, vaccination, and nutrition. To strategize how these programs can operate under a unified framework, the Ministry of Health has scheduled a meeting next week to gather stakeholder input. A new operational plan is expected to be drafted within this month.

Since most of the country’s healthcare infrastructure, disease prevention efforts, and service management rely on strategic plans known as Operational Plans (OPs), the seven-month suspension of the five-year health sector program has disrupted the system, placing jobs at risk. The sector-wide approach was first introduced in 1998, and currently, 38 programs operate under the Ministry of Health’s two divisions.

The fourth Health, Population, and Nutrition Sector Program (HPNSP) concluded in June 2023, but the fifth program, set to run from July 2023 to June 2029 with a budget of 1.06 trillion BDT, remains unapproved. This has stalled development and disease control efforts. The government plans to complete ongoing initiatives within two years, fully funded by state resources, and transition to an integrated program. By February 28, all departments have been instructed to submit soft and hard copies of their plans.

A February 6 letter from the Ministry emphasized developing an exit strategy, considering the fifth HPNSP as the final sector program. A special committee is working on this transition. Health officials confirmed instructions to continue current OPs until June 2026 while formulating exit and future plans within the remaining timeframe. Separate plans for all 38 programs must be submitted this month.

Public health experts suggest that implementing new strategies requires at least two years of preparation. They recommend simultaneously managing ongoing activities and engaging in comprehensive discussions to design a well-consensual approach. Officials highlight the need for a unified system to deliver integrated healthcare under state management within the next few years.