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Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has called on the Sasakawa Peace Foundation to expand its cooperation with Bangladesh in healthcare, medical research, maternal and child health, and modern medical infrastructure.
She made the call while addressing a health-related seminar organised by the foundation in Tokyo on Tuesday afternoon (local time).
“The present government of Bangladesh has identified healthcare, education and social protection as major policy priorities,” Dr Zubaida said.
She said the government had undertaken various initiatives to ensure affordable healthcare, improve public health services, recruit healthcare workers and expand access to health and education for disadvantaged communities.
The government was also working to improve living standards through employment-oriented education, greater educational opportunities for underprivileged students, family-based social assistance programmes and the introduction of Family Cards, she added.
Describing health as an important area of her professional and personal interest, Dr Zubaida said ensuring people’s physical and mental well-being was crucial.
“Bangladesh-Japan bilateral relations are continuously evolving. There are opportunities to address emerging challenges in the health and social sectors by utilising the experience, knowledge and capacities of both countries,” she said.
She stressed the importance of creating a healthy environment in which children could grow up and realise their full potential. Sustainable social systems, strong economies, quality education and protection against violence, poverty and other risks were essential to achieving that goal, she added.
Highlighting the importance of health diplomacy in an increasingly interconnected world, Dr Zubaida said it could play a significant role in advancing the common goal of health for all.
She also underscored the contributions of non-governmental organisations, international institutions, voluntary initiatives and philanthropic foundations, alongside government efforts, to improving maternal and child health in Bangladesh.
Drawing on her professional experience as a physician in Bangladesh, she said the country had considerable potential to implement appropriate health policies, advance medical research and establish modern healthcare institutions.
Appreciating the Sasakawa Peace Foundation’s efforts to protect the health of children and vulnerable communities, she called for expanding its activities in Bangladesh and providing greater resources and cooperation to address the country’s healthcare challenges.
Dr Zubaida said the Bangladesh government was ready to extend full cooperation and support to initiatives aimed at protecting and promoting health and ensuring sustainable healthcare services in the long term.
Yohei Sasakawa, honorary chairman of the Nippon Foundation and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, attended the seminar along with other distinguished guests.