With the launch of a significant new program called “Climate Responsive Reproductive Health and Population Services Improvement and System Strengthening Project for Result,” the government plans to improve family planning and reproductive health services nationwide.
The project, which will be carried out by the Directorate General of Family Planning (DGFP), is to create a high-quality, egalitarian, and climate-resilient service delivery system across the country.
The project, which is expected to cost Taka 4,062.07 crore, was approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) at its most recent meeting after being recommended by the Planning Commission’s Socio-Economic Infrastructure Division.
Of the total allocation, Taka 2,763.02 crore will come from the government exchequer, while Taka 1,299.05 crore will be financed through World Bank assistance. The four-year project will run till June 2029 and cover all divisions, districts, and upazilas of Bangladesh.
According to Planning Commission officials, the project has been designed at a time when the health sector is transitioning from the long-standing sector-program-based approach to a project-based development framework. The proposed 5th Health, Population, and Nutrition Sector Programme (5th HPNSP) was not approved by the government earlier this year. Consequently, it was determined that some crucial service areas needed prompt, organized project-based interventions. This strategy change includes the new initiative.
Planning Advisor Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud commented on the proposal following the ECNEC meeting, stating that a number of large-scale, multi-year health-sector projects were ultimately included in the discussion.
He said that over the past two or three years, and indeed for many years, investment in the health sector was very low while the service quality was not much satisfactory at the upazila level, village health centers, or district hospitals. For which, such projects are being considered, he added.
The project focuses on enhancing reproductive health and population services through climate-resilient systems and improved management.
One of its major goals is to strengthen institutional capacity to ensure quality, efficiency, and equity in service delivery, particularly for maternal, neonatal, and reproductive healthcare.
A core component includes expanding climate-resilient primary healthcare (PHC) services in facilities under DGFP. This involves improving the availability and use of safe maternal health services, neonatal care, family planning solutions, and reproductive healthcare-ensuring communities remain protected even during climate-induced disruptions.
Strengthening the system and developing the workforce are two other goals. In order to address the increasing need for qualified healthcare professionals, particularly in rural and climate-vulnerable areas, the project seeks to expand the pool of qualified midwives.
Additionally, an efficient referral system will be implemented to guarantee the prompt transfer of patients in need of higher-level services. Additionally, the program would initiate a structured Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) to enhance DGFP operations’ responsiveness, accountability, and openness.
Establishing a comprehensive, climate-resilient primary healthcare system for DGFP that integrates technology, infrastructure, equipment, and human resources is the ultimate goal.
Talking to BSS, a Planning Commission official said that the project will support the procurement of modern contraceptives, medicines, and vaccines to ensure uninterrupted supply of family planning services.
“It will also facilitate the acquisition of advanced medical and surgical equipment and essential instruments to enhance service quality.
Furthermore, investments will be made in computer software and digital tools to strengthen management information systems. Extensive training will be provided to health workers, midwives, and service providers to enhance their technical and operational skills,” added the official.
The Planning Commission emphasized the national importance of the project, highlighting its role in ensuring universal access to modern family planning services. Officials stated that climate-resilient infrastructure, skilled manpower, and adequate medical supplies are critical for reducing vulnerabilities and improving health outcomes, particularly among women and children.
In its Project Evaluation Committee (PEC) meeting held on May 29, 2025, the Commission recommended the project for ECNEC approval, noting that the proposed interventions align with national development priorities and global commitments on reproductive health and climate adaptation.
Once implemented, the initiative is expected to significantly enhance the resilience, capacity and reach of reproductive health and family planning services across Bangladesh.
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