On 23 September 2025, at 10:30 AM, a program titled “Inclusion of Youth with Disabilities in Health System Reform Efforts” was held at the RHSTEP–(UYP Project) office, Park Mor, Rangpur Sadar. The event was organized with the theme:
“By including youth with disabilities, their unlimited potential and strength will help build an inclusive health sector and a prosperous Bangladesh.”
The program was chaired by Mr. Animesh Roy, Project Officer of UYP Rangpur, and conducted by Mr. Swarnali Acharya, Youth Officer of UYP Rangpur.
Guests present:
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Ms. Jinia Parvin, Clinical Physiotherapist, Disability Help and Service Center, Rangpur
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Mr. Md. Atiar Rahman, President, Porosh Disability Development Organization, Rangpur
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Mr. Md. Abul Khayer Zaid, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur & Correspondent, Kaler Kantho, Rangpur
At the beginning, a PowerPoint presentation highlighted the discrimination and deprivation faced by youth with disabilities in the health sector and the steps needed to build an inclusive and non-discriminatory health service system. After the presentation, participants discussed the barriers to inclusion and shared their demands. Key issues raised included:
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Free or subsidized health services for youth with disabilities
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Awareness campaigns for families and communities
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Accessible, disability-friendly transport to health centers
Guest remarks:
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Ms. Jinia Parvin said: “In health policy and planning, the real experiences and opinions of youth with disabilities are very important. Without understanding their daily challenges, it is impossible to build a sustainable health system. Their active participation is the key to making health services universal and acceptable for everyone.”
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Mr. Md. Atiar Rahman said: “Youth with disabilities know best what their needs are and what kind of services will work for them. If we use their abilities, disability will no longer be a barrier, but a source of potential. That’s why their participation in inclusive policy-making is essential.”
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Mr. Md. Abul Khayer Zaid said: “All around us we can see the deprivation of people with disabilities. In the health sector, this discrimination is even more severe. To eliminate these inequalities, initiatives like Unstoppable Youth and others must come forward and ensure active participation.”
At the closing session, sanitary pads were distributed among participants as part of SRHR awareness.
Date: 23.09.2025
Place: Rangpur
