On April 7, 2025, to celebrate International World Health Day, the cities of Rangpur and Dinajpur came together to celebrate World Health Day 2025, under the global theme: “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures.” As part of the NICE Project (Nutrition in City Ecosystems), both cities organized dynamic and community-centered events aimed at advancing urban health, nutrition awareness, health & well-being.
Rangpur:
The streets of Rangpur were filled with color, energy, and purpose as the city celebrated World Health Day 2025 under the global banner, “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures.” The day-long observance, led by the Health Department of Rangpur and the Nutrition in City Ecosystems (NICE) Project, with key leadership from the Civil Surgeon’s Office, brought together citizens and stakeholders in a unified call for a healthier, more resilient urban future.
Rally set to start the day in front of the Divisional Commissioner (Health), Rangpur.
A vibrant rally set the tone for the day, drawing 143 participants from diverse sectors, including healthcare professionals, students, women, youth, civil society members, and community leaders. The rally was followed by a dynamic discussion session and a free health check-up camp, which highlighted the importance of preventive care and equitable access to essential health services. Presiding over the event, Dr. Shaheen Sultana, Civil Surgeon of Rangpur, emphasized the critical role of collaborative health governance in improving urban health outcomes. Distinguished participants included Dr. Harun Ur Rashid (Divisional Director, Health), Dr. Wazed Ali, Dr. Meshkatul Abed, Dr. Md. Ruhul Amin, Dr. Zobaer Al Mamun, and Dr. Uzzal Kumar Roy, who all echoed the need for intersectoral approaches to public health. One of the standout features of the event was the recognition of the NICE Project’s mobile vegetable vans—an innovative initiative designed to promote nutrition-sensitive urban health. These vans, which deliver safe, agroecologically grown vegetables to communities across Rangpur, were applauded for their role in raising awareness about non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and encouraging healthier food choices.
Health Checkup on the occasion of World Health Day
The celebration in Rangpur was more than just a symbolic event—it was a strategic gathering of health and nutrition stakeholders, united by a common goal to transform the urban health landscape. It also served as a powerful reminder that health is a fundamental right, not a privilege, and that meaningful change requires community participation, innovation, and long-term vision. By weaving together food systems, health services, and civic action, Rangpur’s observance of World Health Day 2025 illustrated how nutrition-sensitive interventions like those championed by the NICE Project can pave the way for more inclusive, equitable, and healthier cities, especially for women, children, and vulnerable urban populations.
Dinajpur:
World Health Day was celebrated in Dinajpur with a series of impactful events organized under the NICE project, focusing on raising awareness about non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and promoting healthier lifestyles among the community.
The day began with a rally from the Civil Surgeon’s Office in Dinajpur.
The day began with an awareness rally and continued with a discussion session that saw participation from around 85 attendees. The event brought together key stakeholders from the health and education sectors, who emphasized the importance of early detection, prevention, and management of NCDs. A comprehensive health camp was also organized, attracting over 100 participants. Services provided included registration, BMI measurement, diabetic and blood pressure tests, personalized diet charts, and consultations via a dedicated NCD van. After that, everyone got personalized health-related suggestions from experts. Distinguished guests and health experts who attended included Dr. Md. Asif Ferdous, Civil Surgeon of Dinajpur; Dr. Md. Sirajul Islam, RMO of a General Hospital; Dr. Shah Muhammad Sharif, Deputy Civil Surgeon; Md. Saiful Islam, Senior Health Education Officer; Khandaker Md. Alauddin Al Azad, District Education Officer; Md. Abdul Alim, Senior Information Officer; Dr. Alamin Hossain, SIMO, WHO; Mr. Hababur Rahman, Principal Nutrition Officer of Diabetic Association Dinajpur; and Md. Sofiqul Haque, Secretary of the same association. The event also featured seven specialist doctors, providing expert consultations to attendees.
The celebration highlighted the commitment of local and international health organizations to advancing public health and combating the growing burden of NCDs in the region. NICE project utilizes every possible way to promote urban health & nutrition governance & committed to doing so in every way possible.
Health Check-up Registration booth in Dinajpur.