The University of Dhaka maintained high-level collaborations across local, national, and international health institutions in 2024, demonstrating a multi-layered contribution to health governance.

Local Collaboration: Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH)

DU is physically adjacent to Bangladesh’s largest public hospital—an exceptional global advantage for SDG 3.

Evidence-Based Collaborations (2023–24)

• Joint seminars on infectious diseases, COVID-19 after-effects, and dengue prevention.
• Psychology and Clinical Psychology units conduct clinical placements, case referrals, and emergency consultations.
• Biochemistry & Microbiology departments collaborate on genetic, virology, and antibiotic resistance research.

DU’s Clinical Psychology Unit (NPU) also provides nationally recognized specialized clinical services—including trauma counselling, psycho-diagnostic assessments, and psychotherapy—accessible to the general public. DU’s mental health ecosystem is fully integrated with coursework-based clinical training, allowing NPU to serve both as a community clinic and a training site.

• Full list of evidence-based services: https://npudu.net/specialized-services/

Collaborations with Health Institutions at the University of Dhaka

In 2024, the University of Dhaka continued to strengthen its leadership in advancing public health and well-being through diverse collaborations with health institutions at the local, national, and international levels. These initiatives demonstrate the university’s enduring commitment to addressing health challenges through research, education, and capacity building—key priorities under Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

National Collaboration: Climate Change and Public Health Course

On June 8, 2024, the Department of Disaster Science and Climate Resilience (DSCR) at the University of Dhaka, in collaboration with the Climate Change and Health Promotion Unit (CCHPU) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), launched the 2nd Cohort of the Certificate Course on Climate Change and Public Health.

Held at the M. A. Latif Auditorium of the Department of Geology, the program brought together 40 participants from various institutions, including researchers, teachers, and professionals from both public and private sectors. The initiative reflects a national partnership dedicated to addressing the intersection of climate change and health risks, equipping participants with practical knowledge and technical skills to strengthen community health resilience. This collaboration underscores the University of Dhaka’s role as a national leader in integrating public health education with environmental and climate research.

International Collaboration: Research Partnerships through the Institute of Health Economics

At the international level, the Institute of Health Economics (IHE) of the University of Dhaka spearheaded two major projects in 2024:

1. “National Situation Analysis on Health Equity – Bangladesh,” a study funded by Handicap International, in partnership with global health research networks. The project aims to identify disparities in health outcomes and recommend policies to ensure equitable access to healthcare services across the country.
2. “Situation Assessment on Prescription Audit at Public and Private Health Facilities in Bangladesh,” funded by the World Health Organization (WHO). This project focuses on promoting rational drug use and improving healthcare quality standards across both public and private sectors.

Both projects position the University of Dhaka as an active contributor to global health governance and evidence-based policy formulation, aligning the institution with the broader international agenda for equitable and sustainable healthcare systems.

Through these multi-level collaborations—ranging from the informal engagement with Dhaka Medical College, to formal partnerships with national and international health organizations—the University of Dhaka demonstrates an integrated approach to health promotion and sustainability. These efforts enhance academic capacity, inform national health policies, and strengthen Bangladesh’s contributions to the global pursuit of improved health and well-being outcomes.

Together, they reflect the university’s strong commitment to fostering partnerships that translate research and education into real-world health impact, advancing the vision of SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.