Govt Plans Tk2,993cr ‘One Health’ Project by 2030

The government is considering a Tk2,993 crore project aimed at strengthening the country’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to health emergencies and future pandemics through a comprehensive “One Health” approach.

The proposed initiative, titled Strengthening Health Emergency Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Resilience with One Health Approach, recognises that about 75 percent of emerging infectious diseases affecting humans originate from animals and are influenced by environmental factors. Of the total cost, Tk2,745 crore is expected to come as a loan from the World Bank.

The project is scheduled for completion by 2030 and will be jointly implemented by the Health Services Division, the Directorate General of Health Services, and the Department of Livestock Services. The proposal has been submitted to the Planning Commission, with a Project Evaluation Committee meeting expected soon.

The One Health framework emphasises the interconnection between human, animal, plant, and environmental health. Key targets include detecting 70 percent of priority outbreaks within seven days, delivering most laboratory results within three days, and improving biosafety standards in public laboratories.

Planned measures include establishing epidemiological units in 45 districts, forming 182 rapid response teams, preparing 50 upazilas for emergencies, and upgrading critical care services in 10 medical college hospitals.

Animal health components aim to vaccinate at least 80 percent of roaming dogs against rabies and create five animal disease-free zones.

The project also seeks to strengthen surveillance systems through a national early warning platform for real-time disease detection, enhanced laboratory networks, workforce training, antimicrobial resistance control, food safety measures, and environmental protection.

Officials say the initiative will significantly boost Bangladesh’s preparedness for future outbreaks through coordinated action across human, animal, and environmental sectors, as well as regional cooperation in South Asia.