<div style="text-align: justify; "><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><b>A national guideline on heat-related illnesses will be launched on Sunday (May 5, 2024) to protect children and vulnerable populations including pregnant women from heat-related health risks.</b></span><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in Bangladesh, with UNICEF's support, will launch the national guideline.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This national guideline, developed in collaboration with experts from health and other sectors, provides a comprehensive framework for responding effectively to heat-related health risks.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">UNICEF has been a proud supporter of this initiative, working closely with DGHS to ensure the development of the guideline and the training of healthcare professionals across hospitals and health centers.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The event marks a significant milestone towards achieving Universal Health Coverage and ensuring the well-being of citizens, particularly vulnerable children, pregnant women and their unborn children, said UNICEF on Saturday.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Samanta Lal Sen will join the launching ceremony as the chief guest while Sate Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr Rokeya Sultana will attend as special guest.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Md Jahangir Alam, Secretary, Health Services Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; Emma Brigham, Representative, UNICEF Bangladesh; and Professor Dr Abul Bashar Mohammad Khurshid Alam will also join the launch of the national guideline on heat-related illnesses. - UNB</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">bnbd/fas</div>