Bangladesh Showcases ‘Shishu Swarga’ Model for Children with Disabilities at Global Health Summit

Bangladesh has showcased its innovative healthcare model for children with disabilities, titled “Shishu Swarga,” at the global stage during the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva.

The model was presented by State Minister for Health Dr. M A Muhith at a high-level side event held at Hotel Royal on Thursday.

He described the initiative as the outcome of two decades of research, saying the “Shishu Swarga” model has reduced the average age of disability detection among children from five years to just eight months. Early identification and intervention, he noted, are significantly improving the quality of life for affected children.

More than 40 representatives from over 30 countries and 20 international organisations attended the event, where the model received widespread appreciation from global health experts and policymakers.

Dr. M A Muhith said disability should not be viewed solely as a medical issue, but also as a social and environmental challenge. He explained that children become disadvantaged when society fails to provide necessary support such as visual or hearing assistance.

The State Minister also revealed that nearly 75 percent of Bangladeshi families with children with disabilities live below the poverty line. Considering healthcare a fundamental right, the government has initiated efforts to expand the “Shishu Swarga” model nationwide.

He added that a six-tier administrative framework has been established to implement the programme effectively, with a high-level steering committee led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman overseeing the initiative.

Calling for global cooperation, he said ensuring disability-friendly healthcare is not merely a health issue but a major human rights commitment for the international community.

The panel discussion featured remarks from Hubert Vuagnat, Sarah Collinson, Malik Muhammad Safi and Denis Schroeder.

The concluding remarks were delivered by Health Secretary Kamruzzaman Chowdhury. Other attendees included Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Health Affairs Dr. S M Ziauddin Haider and Director General of Health Services Prof. Prabhat Chandra Biswas.