Dhaka: The World Health Organization(WHO) on Wednesday assured its continued assistance to Bangladesh to eliminate three major diseases—HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria—from Bangladesh.

The assurance came when WHO Regional Director for Southeast Asia Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganabhaban in the morning.

After the meeting, Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Mohammad Nazrul Islam said Dr Poonam apprised Sheikh Hasina about the preparations of the upcoming International Conference on Autism and Neuro‐Developmental Disorders to be held in Bhutan. Bangladesh, Bhutan and the WHO will jointly organise the three‐day conference from 19 April.

She highly praised Bangladesh’s health sector development, particularly the establishment of community clinics under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership. Setting up of such community clinics is a very fruitful programme for the grassroots people, she added.

Dr Poonam said she highlights the programme wherever she goes and encourages other countries to replicate this to reach healthcare services to the doorsteps of people.

She also lauded Saima Wazed Hossain, the chairperson of the National Advisory Committee on Autism in Bangladesh and daughter of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, for her role in dealing with autism issue.