Experts urge sustainable financing to tackle hypertension

Experts on Monday urged greater and sustainable financing to tackle hypertension and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Bangladesh, citing a significant funding shortfall despite the growing health burden.

The call was made during a webinar titled “Sustainable Financing for Hypertension Control: Bangladesh Perspective”, held to mark World Health Day 2026.

The event was organised by the research and advocacy organisation PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI).

Speakers emphasised that hypertension is increasing rapidly across the country, contributing significantly to the overall burden of NCDs.

According to the Health and Morbidity Status Survey-2025 conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), hypertension ranks first among the top ten diseases in the country. Currently, NCDs account for 71 per cent of all deaths in Bangladesh, yet the sector receives only 4.2 per cent of the total health budget.

While the government has made a landmark decision to provide hypertension medicines at all Community Clinics, experts warned that budget constraints are preventing uninterrupted supply, particularly for marginalised communities.

Dr Md Enamul Haque, director general (Additional Secretary) of the Health Economics Unit, said, “To ensure the supply of hypertension medicines in all Community Clinics, increasing budget allocation is essential.

At the same time, efficient and strategic utilisation of allocated funds can significantly improve hypertension control nationwide.”

Prof Sohel Reza Choudhury, head of the department of Epidemiology & Research at the National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute, added, “Hypertension is a silent killer and a major cause of premature death.

Sustainable financing can ensure regular medicine supply at Community Clinics, which would significantly reduce health risks related to hypertension.”