Bangladesh needs Tk 17,000cr for HNAP 

Bangladesh needs nearly US$1.4 billion (Tk 17,000 crore) to implement its Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP) 2026�"2031 and address the adverse health effects of climate change, according to a study by BRAC University’s Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research (C3ER). 

The study was released on Saturday at the BRAC Centre in Dhaka on Saturday analysis maps potential financing sources for HNAP and links funding opportunities to measures addressing extreme heat, climate-sensitive diseases, unsafe water and disruption to essential care. It proposes a diversified financing mix rather than reliance on the health budget alone. The figures are proposed targets, not confirmed commitments.

The report said domestic and cross-sector contributions could cover approximately 53% of HNAP requirements, while development partners could provide the largest individual share at about 37%. The study identifies opportunities to align programmes of the World Bank, UNICEF, World Food Programme, WHO and UNFPA with HNAP priorities, including resilient health infrastructure, disease surveillance, maternal and child health, nutrition and emergency preparedness. It also identifies pathways through the Green Climate Fund, Adaptation Fund and Least Developed Countries Fund.

The study cautions that only the attributable health-related contribution of wider investments should count towards HNAP, with clear accounting to avoid double-counting. Contributions from partners would depend on agreement, as funds committed to other activities cannot automatically be redirected.

However, the study recommends climate-risk checks in new health-sector development projects, a dedicated health ministry taskforce to develop costed interventions, and specific codes in the government’s iBAS++ accounting system to track climate-health expenditure. It also proposes coordination through the Economic Relations Division on development partner financing and climate-fund applications, with the Planning Commission supporting climate-health assessments and identifying health contributions from cross-sector investments.

Dr Ainun Nishat, emeritus professor at BRAC University and adviser to C3ER, said the growing health burden of climate change must be reflected in how Bangladesh plans and finances development. He said HNAP should guide investment decisions across health, water and infrastructure sectors, with clear ministerial responsibilities and specific budget allocations. 

International adaptation finance, particularly grants, should support national efforts to protect vulnerable populations.
Dr Iqbal Kabir, director of the Centre for Climate Change and Public Health, said the Tk 17,000 crore requirement reflects the scale of the challenge.

Ahead of COP31, the roadmap could help Bangladesh bring specific climate-health investment proposals into discussions with development partners and climate-finance institutions. Grant support could be particularly valuable for prevention and preparedness activities that protect public health without generating revenue. Further project preparation would clarify grant amounts and co-financing within the proposed US$140 million target.

Speakers at the launch said significant international funding opportunities exist, but Bangladesh has not mobilised them effectively. They stressed coordination among government, the private sector and NGOs, and said blended finance is essential.

They also called for training healthcare workers�"including doctors, nurses and pharmacists�"on climate-related health risks and for incorporating those risks into educational curricula.