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The final dissemination event of the Community-led Responsive and Effective Urban Health System (CHORUS) programme was held at a hotel in Dhaka, bringing together policymakers, health experts, development partners, researchers, and media representatives.
The event, hosted by ARK Foundation, focused on sharing key findings and identifying priorities for strengthening urban primary healthcare systems.
Titled “CHORUS: What’s Next?”, the programme highlighted research evidence generated across Bangladesh, Nepal, Ghana and Nigeria aimed at improving health outcomes for the urban poor.
In her opening remarks, Professor Rumana Huque, Executive Director of ARK Foundation, said Bangladesh’s urban health system is facing increasing vulnerabilities and requires a comprehensive, multi-dimensional approach.
She noted that there is no single solution, and strengthening the system requires coordinated efforts across governance, financing, service delivery, workforce, and data systems, while ensuring community engagement.
She pointed out that similar challenges -- rapid urbanisation, inequities and system pressure -- are evident across CHORUS countries, offering opportunities for shared learning. Highlighting the current public health situation, she warned that Bangladesh is experiencing one of its most significant measles outbreaks in recent years, signalling gaps in service delivery and coordination.
The event featured presentations by researchers of CHORUS, a multi-country research consortium working on linking diverse health providers, promoting multisectoral collaboration and addressing both communicable and non-communicable diseases, on urban primary healthcare strengthening, financing mechanisms, and service delivery improvements.
Speaking as the chief guest, Professor Dr Nazmul Hosain, Director General of the Directorate General of Medical Education, said stakeholders should utilise the opportunities provided by the current government to strengthen healthcare systems.
He added that strategic partnerships led by urban authorities like Dhaka North City Corporation, along with public-private partnerships and systems such as iBAS++, are crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability.
Dr Md Shafiqul Islam, Health Advisor at the British High Commission Dhaka, emphasised translating research findings into actionable policies, particularly to strengthen integrated primary healthcare.
The panel featured Dr Mahmudur Rahman, Dr Syed Zakir Hossain, and Mohammad Zahirul Islam, who discussed practical strategies to address urban health challenges, especially for low-income populations.
Participants from government, NGOs, development partners, and the media contributed to a dynamic discussion on the future of urban health systems. CHORUS, a multi-country research consortium, works on linking diverse health providers, promoting multisectoral collaboration and addressing both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
The event concluded with a shared commitment to translate research into action, strengthen collaboration, and support evidence-based policymaking for urban health systems.