On Sunday, a national guideline focusing on heat-related illnesses will be unveiled, aimed at safeguarding children and vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, from the health risks associated with extreme heat.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in Bangladesh, with support from Unicef, will introduce the national guideline, which has been developed collaboratively with experts from various sectors to provide a robust framework for effectively addressing heat-related health concerns.

Unicef has played a vital role in supporting this initiative, partnering closely with DGHS to facilitate the development of the guideline and the training of healthcare professionals across hospitals and health centers.

The launch event signifies a significant step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage and ensuring the welfare of citizens, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women, along with their unborn children, emphasized Unicef on Saturday.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Samanta Lal Sen will preside over the launching ceremony as the chief guest, with State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. Rokeya Sultana attending as a special guest. Additionally, Md Jahangir Alam, Secretary of the Health Services Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; Emma Brigham, Unicef Bangladesh representative; and Professor Dr. Abul Bashar Mohammad Khurshid Alam will also be present at the event to mark the launch of the national guideline on heat-related illnesses.