The National Young Health Conference 2026, jointly organized by the Department of Public Health and Informatics of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) and UNICEF Bangladesh, was successfully held on 10 May 2026 at BMU Super Specialized Hospital. The conference serves as an important platform to strengthen dialogue and collaboration on youth health in Bangladesh by bringing together young people, public health experts, researchers, development partners, educators, policymakers, and civil society representatives. In Bangladesh, about 29 percent of the total population is currently between the ages of 10 and 24. Considering the critical role of youth in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the conference emphasized evidence-based policymaking, inter-ministerial coordination, and meaningful youth participation in health systems and good governance. The discussion highlighted how rapid urbanization, climate risks, social inequalities, and the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases are impacting the health outcomes of adolescents and young people. It also highlighted the limitations in access to quality sexual and reproductive health care, mental health support, nutrition, digital health, and protection from violence. The conference featured plenary sessions, quiz competitions, oral and poster presentations, debate competitions and panel discussions to highlight key public health priorities for adolescents and young people. The main themes of the discussions were sexual and reproductive health (SRH), nutrition, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and lifestyle changes, mental health and well-being, youth-related violence, vulnerable and marginalized youth populations and climate change. The sessions focused on youth-friendly healthcare, mental health support, healthy lifestyles, violence prevention, inclusive policies and the role of young people in building climate resilient health systems.
The program was presided over by Professor Dr. Md. Atiqul Haque, PhD, Chairman of BMU’s DPHI. The program was attended by Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Dr. Md. Abul Kalam Azad, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Dr. Md. Mujibur Rahman Howlader, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Development), Professor Dr. Nahrin Akhtar, Treasurer, Director General of the Department of Family Planning Dr. Ashrafi Ahmed, ndc, Director General of the Department of Secondary and Higher Education Professor Dr. Khan Moinuddin Al Mahmud Sohel, Director General and Additional Secretary of the Department of Social Services Md. Shah Mohammad Mahbub, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Masum Ahmed. UNICEF Bangladesh Chief of Health Dr. Malalai Ahmadzai was present at the program as a special guest. More than 200 young people, along with representatives from various ministries, UN agencies, non-governmental development organizations, youth organizations, and educational institutions, actively participated in the conference. The main goal of the conference was to improve the health of adolescents and young people through evidence-based initiatives, innovation, and meaningful youth participation. The National Young Health Conference 2026 further highlights the importance of youth participation in health policy, services and innovation in Bangladesh. By strengthening collaboration between the government, development partners, researchers and young people, the conference is considered an important step towards advancing youth health and well-being as a national priority and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage. Eminent economist Hossain Zillur Rahman, Chairperson, Power and Participation Research Center, was present as the special guest at the closing ceremony. The opening and closing ceremonies were moderated by Dr. Farzana Islam, PhD and Dr. Md. Shahidul Haque, Associate Professor, Department of Public Health and Informatics, Bangladesh Medical University.