Griffith University’s Centre for Environment and Population Health (CEPH) has launched its latest international initiative, the Bangladesh Program.
The program seeks to ensure a healthier Bangladesh through embracing areas such as public health leadership, capacity building, institutional strengthening and research in climate change and health.
As well as providing a university-wide platform toengage policy makers, practitioners, researchers, government, non-government and international organisations, the Bangladesh Program complements other CEPH initiatives operating in China, Taiwan, Indonesia and Vietnam.
To be administered within the CEPH at Griffith’s Nathan campus, the Bangladesh Program was officially launched in Brisbane and attracted Bangladeshi dignitaries and senior government, university and community members.
Special guest was The Honourable Dr Habibe Millat MP (Standing Committee for Social Welfare Ministry, People’s Republic of Bangladesh).
Other attendees included the Acting High Commissioner for Bangladesh, Mrs Wahida Ahmed; Queensland Health’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Jeannette Young; the Director-General of the Health Environment Agency (Vietnam), Dr Nguyen Huy Nga; and Griffith University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Engagement) Professor Martin Betts, Pro Vice Chancellor (Sciences) Professor Debra Henly and Pro Vice Chancellor (International) Professor Sarah Todd.
Community involvement will be vital to the program’s success and representatives from Brisbane’s Bangladesh Association, the Society of Bangladeshi Doctors Association and other Bangladeshi community members were acknowledged at the launch.
CEPH is a Griffith University initiative that addresses pressing global concerns for population health, environmental sustainability and economic opportunity.
Its key areas of focus are international development and global health, health promotion and population health, climate change and health, occupational and environmental health, public health leadership and capacity building, and healthy settings such as cities, schools, workplaces and hospitals.