Staff Reporter:

The prevalence of hypertension and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among Bangladesh’s young population is increasing at an alarming rate that causes concern.

Experts seem, to address this growing crisis, there is no alternative of effective programs and sustainable financing.

Speakers highlighted this critical concern today (August 11) at a webinar titled “Hypertension Risk Among Youth and the Way Forward: Bangladesh Perspective,” organized by research and advocacy organization PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) to mark International Youth Day 2026. Supported by the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), the event was co-organized by youth networks, including Bangladesh Medical Students’ Society, Platform Doctors Foundation, It’s Humanity Foundation, and Give Bangladesh. Tomorrow, 12 August, the day will be observed with the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations”.

Speakers at a webinar highlighted that NCDs, including hypertension, account for 71% of all deaths in Bangladesh, with 19% of these deaths occurring prematurely. According to the Health and Morbidity Status Survey-2025 by Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), hypertension ranks first among the top 10 diseases in the country. Data from the Bangladesh NCD STEPS Survey 2018 show that approximately 12% of people aged 18-39 have hypertension. If effective measures are not taken immediately, the crisis could become even more severe.

Professor Dr. Sohel Reza Choudhury, Head of the Department of Epidemiology & Research, National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute, stated, “Sustainable financing is essential to ensure a regular supply of medicines at all primary-level healthcare facilities to reduce premature deaths caused by hypertension. It can be one of the most worthwhile investments in building a healthy young generation.”

Dr. Malay Kanti Mridha, Professor, BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, said, “Hypertension can be effectively controlled through evidence-based curative and preventive measures.”

Muhammad Ruhul Quddus, Bangladesh Country Lead, GHAI, stated, “The increase in the health budget is a very positive step. A significant portion of the increased allocation should be spent on addressing hypertension and other non-communicable diseases.”

Mohammad Al Amin, Vice President, Bangladesh Health Reporters Forum (BHRF) and Deputy Editor, Daily Sun, said, “The media can play a significant role in ensuring that the government prioritizes NCD control in the allocation and use of the health budget.”

Aminul Islam Sujan, Consultant, Vital Strategies also participated in the webinar as a discussant. The webinar was presided over by ABM Zubair, Executive Director, PROGGA, and moderated by Samiha Bintay Kamal, Program Officer, PROGGA.  Participants from various regions of the country, including representatives of youth organizations and people from diverse professional backgrounds, attended the webinar.