Dhaka, Mar 17 (V7N) –The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) have signed a project cooperation agreement to implement the “Strengthen Climate-informed Disease Surveillance and Early Warning System” initiative under the "Global Fund Climate Change & Health Fund for Bangladesh." The agreement was signed on Monday at the IEDCR premises.

The one-year project, with an estimated budget of $1.6 million, aims to bolster climate resilience and health preparedness in Bangladesh.

Dr. Tahmina Shirin, director of IEDCR, and Sudhir Muralidharan, country manager of UNOPS Bangladesh, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations.

Dr. Shirin emphasized the significance of enhancing climate resilience, strengthening health infrastructure, and adopting sustainable health procurement practices. "This project is a major step toward fortifying our healthcare system and emergency response mechanisms, ensuring better preparedness and improved health services for the people of Bangladesh. With support from UNOPS, this initiative reinforces Bangladesh’s commitment to global health security and climate resilience," she stated.

Sudhir Muralidharan reaffirmed UNOPS' commitment to supporting Bangladesh in building sustainable and resilient health systems. "This agreement, made possible through Global Fund financing, represents our collective vision of improving healthcare infrastructure, enhancing early warning systems, and strengthening disease surveillance mechanisms," he said.

As the primary implementation partner, the National Malaria Elimination Program, Communicable Disease Control Program, and Directorate General of Health Services will provide strategic oversight to ensure the project’s successful execution and facilitate coordination among stakeholders.

The Global Fund Climate Change & Health Fund will focus on developing climate-resilient healthcare infrastructure, incorporating climate adaptation strategies into health services, and improving early warning systems for climate-induced diseases.

The initiative is expected to benefit millions across Bangladesh, particularly in climate-vulnerable areas, by enhancing public health resilience and preparedness.

Furthermore, the project aligns with national and international commitments, including Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 5, 10, 13, 16, and 17, promoting health, well-being, and climate resilience.

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