The project’s development objective is to strengthen Bangladesh’s human, animal, and environmental health systems' capacity to detect and respond to health emergencies.

The project aims to build capacity by adopting the One Health approach to strengthen human, animal, and environmental health systems so they can carry out the core functions of preventing, detecting, and controlling diseases efficiently and effectively. The project comprises five components (i) enhanced One Health early warning, surveillance and laboratory systems; (ii) improved prevention, resilience, and response to health threats; (iii) strengthened cross-border collaboration on health emergencies; (iv) One Health governance, project management and knowledge management; and (v) contingent emergency response component (CERC).

The expansion of diagnostic and veterinary facilities is expected to lead to increased generation of biomedical and hazardous waste, raising concerns about the safe handling, storage, and disposal of these materials. Inadequate biosafety protocols, particularly in newly refurbished laboratories or wildlife response units, can heighten the risk of exposure to pathogens, affecting both health professionals and surrounding communities. Occupational health and safety risks are particularly relevant for frontline health, veterinary, and wildlife workers, as well as contractors engaged in small-scale civil works in rural areas, where oversight is crucial.

On the social side, while land acquisition and displacement are not envisaged, localized refurbishment of health centers, livestock offices, and wildlife response units may indirectly affect communities by limiting access to services or natural resources. Activities linked to wildlife and ecosystem health may also result in restrictions on resource use for vulnerable groups that depend on forests or fisheries, with potential impacts on their livelihoods. Given the project’s coverage of remote and marginalized populations, there is a risk of exclusion if cultural and linguistic barriers are not adequately addressed. Additional risks include community exposure to zoonotic diseases if waste handling and wildlife management are not conducted safely, as well as potential sexual exploitation and abuse/sexual harassment (SEA/SH) risks in field operations. Moreover, the collection and use of sensitive personal and geolocation data under the integrated surveillance system (BOHSEWS) presents risks related to data protection and misuse.

Total Project Cost: US$ 255.98 million
IDA Credit: US$ 225.00 million

CONTACT POINT - World Bank

Task Team Leader: Somil Nagpal
Title: Lead Health Specialist
Email: snagpal@worldbank.org

TTL Contact: Amadou Ba
Job Title: Senior Agriculture Economist
Email: aba2@worldbank.org

TTL Contact: Shiyong Wang
Job Title: Senior Health Specialist
Email: swang1@worldbank.org

ACCESS TO INFORMATION

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ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM OF THE WORLD BANK

The World Bank Inspection Panel is the independent complaint mechanism and fact-finding body for people who believe they are likely to be, or have been, adversely affected by a World Bank-financed project. If you submit a complaint to the Inspection Panel, they may investigate to assess whether the World Bank is following its own policies and procedures for preventing harm to people or the environment. You can contact the Inspection Panel or submit a complaint by emailing ipanel@worldbank.org. Information on how to file a complaint and a complaint request form are available at: https://www.inspectionpanel.org/how-to-file-complaint