Dr Zubaida Rahman Calls for Greater Sasakawa Peace Foundation Support for Bangladesh’s Health Sector
Dr Zubaida Rahman, physician and wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has called on Japan’s Sasakawa Peace Foundation to expand its cooperation with Bangladesh in healthcare, medical research, maternal and child health, and the development of modern medical infrastructure.
Speaking at a health-focused seminar organised by the foundation in Tokyo on Tuesday (October 27), she emphasised the importance of stronger international partnerships to improve healthcare access, address emerging public health challenges and build a sustainable health system in Bangladesh.
Dr Zubaida Rahman said the government had prioritised healthcare, education and social protection as part of its broader efforts to improve people’s quality of life. Initiatives are being pursued to enhance public healthcare services, recruit healthcare workers and expand access to health and education for disadvantaged communities, she said.
She also highlighted efforts to improve employment-oriented education, support students from underprivileged backgrounds and strengthen family-based social assistance programmes, including the Family Card initiative.
Drawing on her professional experience as a physician, Dr Zubaida Rahman stressed that healthcare policies must address both physical and mental well-being. She said Bangladesh had considerable potential to strengthen public health policy, expand medical research and establish modern healthcare institutions.
She also pointed to the growing relationship between Bangladesh and Japan, saying that the two countries could draw on their respective knowledge, experience and capabilities to address emerging challenges in healthcare and social development. Greater collaboration, she noted, could open new avenues for cooperation across these sectors.
Emphasising the importance of children’s well-being, she said every child should have the opportunity to grow up in a safe and supportive environment and reach their full potential. Achieving that goal requires quality education, a strong economy and sustainable social protection systems, alongside measures to shield vulnerable communities from poverty, violence and other risks.
Dr Zubaida Rahman also highlighted the growing importance of health diplomacy in an increasingly interconnected world. She said international cooperation and closer partnerships between countries could play a vital role in advancing the shared goal of ensuring health for all.
She acknowledged the contributions of non-governmental organisations, international institutions, voluntary organisations and philanthropic foundations alongside government initiatives to improve maternal and child health in Bangladesh.
Praising the Sasakawa Peace Foundation’s work to protect the health of children and vulnerable populations, she urged the organisation to broaden its activities in Bangladesh and provide greater support to address emerging health challenges.
Dr Zubaida Rahman said sustained investment, stronger research capacity and international collaboration were essential to improving public health, raising healthcare standards and building a resilient health system for the future. She added that the Bangladesh government was prepared to extend its cooperation and support to initiatives aimed at achieving these objectives.
