Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wife of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has called on the Sasakawa Peace Foundation to expand its cooperation in improving healthcare services, medical research, maternal and child health, and modern medical infrastructure in Bangladesh.

She made the call at a health seminar organized by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation in Tokyo, Japan, on Tuesday (October 27).

Dr. Zubaida Rahman said the current government of Bangladesh has identified healthcare, education and social protection as key policy priorities. The government has undertaken various initiatives to ensure affordable healthcare for all, improve the quality of public health services, recruit healthcare workers, and expand access to healthcare and education for disadvantaged communities.

She said the government is also working to improve people’s living standards through various initiatives, including employment-oriented education, expanded educational opportunities for underprivileged students, family-based social assistance programmes and the introduction of Family Cards.

Describing health as an important area of both professional and personal interest, Dr. Zubaida Rahman emphasized the importance of ensuring people’s physical and mental well-being.

She noted that bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Japan continue to develop, creating opportunities for the two countries to draw on their respective experiences, knowledge and capabilities to address emerging challenges in the health and social sectors.

She said both Bangladesh and Japan are committed to ensuring that children grow up in healthy environments and have opportunities to reach their full potential. Achieving this goal requires sustainable social systems, strong economies, quality education and protection against violence, poverty and other risks, she added.

Highlighting the growing importance of health diplomacy amid increasing global interconnectedness, Dr. Zubaida Rahman said health diplomacy could play a significant role in achieving the shared goal of “Health for All.”

She also underscored the contributions of non-governmental organizations, international institutions, voluntary initiatives and philanthropic foundations alongside government efforts to improve maternal and child health in Bangladesh.

Referring to her professional experience as a physician in Bangladesh, Dr. Zubaida Rahman said the country has considerable potential to implement appropriate health policies, advance medical research and establish modern healthcare institutions.

Praising the Sasakawa Peace Foundation for its continued efforts to protect the health of children and vulnerable populations, she called on the foundation to expand its activities in Bangladesh and provide greater resources and cooperation to address emerging health challenges.

Dr. Zubaida Rahman said the Bangladesh government was ready to extend its full cooperation and support to initiatives aimed at protecting and promoting health and ensuring sustainable healthcare services in the long term.

Prominent guests, including Yohei Sasakawa, Honorary Chairman of the Nippon Foundation and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, attended the seminar.