Mymensingh, 13 August 2025 — More than 50 young people from diverse social, geographical, and cultural backgrounds across the Mymensingh Division came together with policymakers at the Mymensingh Divisional Youth Forum on SRHR & Climate Resilience to address how climate change is disrupting access to essential Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services. Organized under the Youth Catalyst project by SERAC-Bangladesh, with support from UNFPA and funding from Sida, the forum highlighted the urgent need for climate-ready health systems in flood-prone areas.
SM Shaikat, Executive Director of SERAC-Bangladesh, said: “Young people have always led in times of crisis. Today, they must again step forward to break barriers and make healthcare equitable for all—no matter where they live or what challenges they face.”
Dr. Pradip Kumar Saha, Director (Health) of Mymensingh Division, emphasized: “Climate change hits hardest in haor areas and among youth with disabilities. The demand for health services far exceeds supply—we need bigger budgets and stronger youth voices in policymaking.”
Md. Majharul Haque Chowdhury, Deputy Director of Family Planning in Mymensingh District, added: “To protect the next generation, we must address the service gaps for adolescents and take urgent action to prevent child marriage. This requires both strong policies and committed community engagement.”
Youth participants shared their lived experiences and presented policy recommendations that will feed into a national white paper on climate-resilient, youth-centered SRHR services.