New Delhi, Jan 3 (NationPress) With the upcoming government set to take charge in Bangladesh following the general election on February 12, there are pressing issues that need urgent attention. Among these are the declining safety conditions and economic challenges, alongside reports highlighting a “fragile state” of the healthcare system.

The Daily Star editorial pointed out, “Misguided policy choices, insufficient administrative capabilities, and a lack of reform have rendered the healthcare sector vulnerable, resulting in a significant number of individuals being deprived of essential medical care.”

The editorial expressed hope that the new elected government will tackle these long-standing issues, but emphasized that the current administration should not neglect its duty to stabilize healthcare services and initiate meaningful reforms.

Additionally, the repercussions of the Trump administration's decision to suspend funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) one year ago have significantly impacted Bangladesh.

Established under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, USAID aimed to combat communism by supporting developmental initiatives globally. The sudden cessation of funding for various programs has caused turmoil within Bangladesh’s healthcare framework.

The most critical disruptions were observed in tuberculosis care, community health initiatives, telemedicine services, disease surveillance, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs. The effects were particularly severe during the monsoon season in vulnerable coastal areas.

The editorial noted, “The troubles began with the abrupt cessation of USAID funding in January, which adversely impacted the health sector directly and indirectly. One immediate consequence was the halt of the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research's tuberculosis initiatives.”

By the end of May, reports indicated that 55 out of 59 USAID-funded projects had been terminated, leading to over 50,000 professionals losing their jobs and a loss of development aid amounting to USD 700 million. These projects encompassed vital areas such as education, health, food security, climate change, governance, and skills training. The collapse of Bangladesh’s largest telemedicine network, responsible for serving approximately 100,000 patients in 2024, further exemplifies the fallout from the funding cuts.

The cessation of funding has led to the suspension of disease tracking and emergency response efforts, coinciding with heightened risks of waterborne and vector-borne diseases during the monsoon.

Moreover, the absence of the WASH program has halted crucial water and sanitation projects in coastal regions, further exposing communities to contamination and health hazards during flooding.

The editorial lamented the situation worsening when the interim government scrapped the proposed fifth Health, Population, and Nutrition Sector Programme (HPNSP), which had been a guiding framework for health, nutrition, and family planning since 1998. It emphasized the need for effective leadership and strategic planning, which have been major shortcomings in the healthcare sector.

While there are several policies deemed essential for enhancing healthcare efficiency and accessibility, the editorial criticized the lack of visible efforts to implement these proposals into actionable plans.