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Policymakers, researchers, and public health experts in Bangladesh are calling for immediate reforms to the country's climate-health financing system ahead of the FY2026-27 national budget. They warn that budget allocations for this critical sector have decreased, even as the nation faces escalating climate-related health risks.

Data presented at a policy dialogue revealed a significant drop in climate-relevant funding within the Health Services Division, from 2.74% of its total budget in FY2021-22 to 1.97% in FY2025-26. Similarly, health's share of the national climate budget has shrunk from approximately 2.5% to 1.5% during the same period. Compounding this issue, less than one percent of the financing from the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund has been directed towards health projects.

Experts highlighted structural weaknesses in climate-health financing, noting that while national plans identify health as a priority, current funding remains heavily project-oriented. Over 60% of climate-health expenditure supports development projects, leaving insufficient resources for essential areas like disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, workforce development, and long-term health system resilience. This indicates a persistent gap between national climate-health goals and the financial mechanisms required for their implementation.

Further research presented at the event detailed severe reproductive and maternal health challenges faced by women in coastal areas. These issues, linked to climate-induced poverty, water scarcity, and inadequate sanitation, include irregular menstruation, severe pain, miscarriages, and chronic reproductive conditions. The findings underscore the urgent need for integrated climate and health strategies to address these escalating threats.