EIB agrees to repurpose loan for health sector

Bangladesh and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have agreed in principle to repurpose an existing loan to strengthen the country's health system, with a particular focus on tackling cervical and breast cancer, according to Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Health Affairs Dr SM Ziauddin Hyder.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Hyder said the understanding was reached during a meeting between a Bangladesh delegation and EIB officials in Luxembourg.

“Our discussions were highly productive, and we agreed in principle to repurpose an existing EIB loan to support the strengthening of Bangladesh's health system, particularly to address the growing burden of cervical and breast cancer,” he wrote.

Hyder said the proposed initiative aligns with the government's efforts to expand access to quality primary healthcare, especially for women, newborns and children.

The two sides also discussed potential EIB support for solar energy solutions at Upazila Health Complexes and other health facilities, as well as strengthening healthcare waste management systems.

According to Hyder, senior officials from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), including its chief of staff and the agency's representative in Bangladesh, also attended the meeting.

“Together, we are working towards a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable future for the people of Bangladesh,” he said.