Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury said health related issues will be included in the strategies of the National Adaptation Plan.
He said that this initiative will play an effective role in combating non-communicable diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, malaria, abortion and premature birth, respiratory diseases, heart diseases, nervous system diseases, kidney diseases etc. due to environmental pollution. The minister also highlighted the close relationship between health and climate change.
He said this while addressing the chief guest at the symposium on ‘Non-Communicable Diseases and Environmental Change’ organized by ICDDR, B at The Westin, Gulshan on Monday (March 4) evening.
The environment minister said that climate change has a serious impact on our health and causes non-communicable diseases. Environmental changes, especially water salinity, contribute to non-communicable diseases. Water salinity in coastal areas is an important factor in climate change-related non-communicable diseases.
The minister said Bangladesh wants to be a global partner in research. Need-based program research is needed in the country.
The Environment Minister said that the project to ensure safe drinking water in the coastal saline areas and a comprehensive delta plan for sustainable development is being implemented. The minister also mentioned the 100-day program announced by his ministry.
He said that effective initiatives have been taken to prevent air pollution, deal with illegal brick kilns, deal with plastic pollution and promote environmental education.
