Bangladesh’s growing climate-related health risks are not matched by adequate financing and mechanisms to track progress, with the country scoring just 13 out of 32 in a global assessment of how governments integrate public health into their climate action plans.
The 2026 Healthy NDC Scorecard, published on 19 October by the Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA), awarded Bangladesh no points for financing or monitoring and implementation, exposing major gaps between its climate commitments and the resources and oversight needed to deliver them.
The assessment covered 117 national climate plans representing 132 countries across eight categories.
Bangladesh received full marks of four out of four for recognising the health benefits of climate action and three out of four for measures within the health sector.
It scored two points each for air pollution and integrated governance, and one point each for health impacts and just transition.
However, its zero scores for economics and finance, and monitoring and implementation, highlighted weaknesses in mobilising resources and measuring progress towards climate-related health goals.
Bangladesh scored the same as South Africa, while Indonesia received 11 points and the European Union 12. Colombia topped the assessment with 29 points, followed by Nigeria with 25 and Cambodia with 24. Japan, India and New Zealand scored only two points each.
Notably, 19 of the 20 highest-scoring countries were low- and middle-income nations.
Under the Paris Agreement, countries submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), setting out their commitments and plans to address climate change.
Bangladesh’s NDC recognises the right to health and to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, while calling for stronger coordination across sectors to place public health at the centre of climate action.
Climate risks and health-system preparedness
The scorecard highlights Bangladesh’s plans to strengthen climate-resilient health systems, provide advisory services on disease outbreaks and develop healthcare facilities capable of withstanding climate impacts.
The country also intends to incorporate climate and health issues into medical curricula and training programmes for health workers.
Within the health sector, proposed measures include managing healthcare waste through non-incineration techniques, installing rooftop solar systems at hospitals and improving energy efficiency.
Bangladesh aims to install rooftop solar systems in 50 per cent of existing government buildings, institutions, schools and hospitals, as well as in all newly constructed facilities in these categories.
The national climate plan also recognises the health benefits of action in transport, agriculture, water, sanitation and waste management.
Proposed measures include encouraging walking and cycling, strengthening climate-resilient food systems, preserving dietary diversity and improving nutrition.
The scorecard notes that reducing emissions from sanitation, solid waste and water services can improve public health, particularly for children and communities vulnerable to climate change.
Climate-resilient water and sanitation systems can also reduce exposure to flooding and waterborne diseases during and after extreme weather events.
Bangladesh further plans to promote cleaner air and clean cooking around healthcare and educational facilities to reduce local pollution and protect children’s respiratory health.
Occupational safety is identified as a guiding principle for a just transition.
Air pollution adds to health burden
Air pollution remains a major public health concern in Bangladesh. Citing State of Global Air data, the scorecard reports 259.2 deaths from air pollution per 100,000 people in the country.
“Governments must grasp that air quality action is a vital part of effective climate action, and that people’s health and lives are at stake with both,” said Dr Jeni Miller, executive director of GCHA.
The findings underline the links between climate policy and public health, particularly in countries exposed to extreme weather, air pollution and disruptions to essential services.
For Bangladesh, integrating health considerations into climate planning could help reduce disease risks while improving the resilience of hospitals, water and sanitation services and food systems.
The assessment, however, points to the need for stronger financial and implementation frameworks to turn these plans into measurable improvements.
Funding remains a critical gap
The report stresses that national climate plans need adequate financing if governments are to translate commitments into practical action.
It also highlights the responsibility of developed countries to support developing nations in line with the Paris Agreement.
Bangladesh’s zero score for economics and finance raises questions about how the country will secure the resources required to implement its proposed climate and health measures.
The absence of points for monitoring and implementation also indicates a need for stronger systems to assess whether commitments are being delivered and producing results.
The scorecards are intended to help policymakers identify strengths, weaknesses and opportunities in national climate plans, highlight good practices and compare how countries incorporate health into their climate commitments.
GCHA is a coalition of more than 300 health professional organisations, civil society groups and networks working to minimise the health impacts of climate change while maximising the health benefits of climate mitigation.