Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Samanta Lal Sen on Sunday said the government is committed to make the country tuberculosis free by 2030.
"We are committed to keep the promise made by world leaders including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at a high level meeting of the United Nations on tuberculosis in 2023," the Minister said.
The Minister said this while opening a programme on advancement of multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder engagement and accountability to end tuberculosis, organised by World Health Organization Global Forum at Hotel Intercontinental in the capital.
"Tuberculosis is affecting not only our country but also the world community at large. The disease has long been a formidable adversary in our fight for public health. Its impact is far-reaching, with 10.6 million people infected with tuberculosis worldwide each year," Dr Samanta Lal said.
Addressing the root causes of tuberculosis is now more important than ever, the Minister said, adding, "In this global forum we are reiterating our commitment to eliminate tuberculosis by 2030."
Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia Region Saima Wazed sent a video message to the programme.
State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr Rokeya Sultana, Health Department Secretary Md Jahangir Alam, WHO Director T Kasaeva and WHO Representative to Bangladesh Bardan Jung Rana addressed the programme, among others.
