The World Bank (WB) has approved a $200 million loan to support healthcare services and combat mosquito-borne diseases like dengue in Bangladesh. This funding will enhance primary healthcare services, including treatment, prevention, and medical waste management, in urban areas such as Dhaka North and South City corporations, Chattogram City Corporation, and Savar and Tarabo municipalities. Approximately 2.5 million children under the age of five in these urban areas will benefit from these services.
With Bangladesh’s rapid urbanization and climate change, new health challenges, including dengue outbreaks and various diseases, have emerged. The project aims to improve antenatal services, hypertension screening, and access to healthcare for both women and adults. Additionally, it will focus on environmental health, preventive measures like mosquito control, and behavior change communication to promote healthy lifestyles and address the impact of climate change and air pollution on human health.
The project will also introduce a climate-based dengue early warning system and measures to clear breeding sites to prevent dengue outbreaks. It emphasizes efficient and innovative mosquito control strategies based on climatic conditions.