BSS
Saima Wazed Hossain, Chairman of National Advisory Committee on Autism, has urged the world community to identify country specific priorities for addressing Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and to act accordingly.
She said this while chairing an expert group meeting on finalization of the WHO South-East Asia Regional Strategy on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) held in New Delhi on 25-26 February.
During the event, the delegates from the South Asian and South East Asian countries reached a consensus on formulating a strategy on identification of priorities and action plan on ASD in respective countries.
The strategy was developed in line with the WHO Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020.
In her presentation, Saima Wazed Hossain shared with the audience the unique approaches taken by Bangladesh to address autism and other disabilities.
Later on 27 February 2016, Saima Wazed Hossain addressed the 2nd International Conference on Education for Sustainable Development: Empowering Individuals with Multiple Disability.
In her speech, she highlighted the evolution of policies and programs in Bangladesh to address the rights of persons with disabilities. While updating the audience on the tremendous progress made in Bangladesh in these areas, she particularly applauded the role of parents, teachers and experts in increasing awareness throughout the country.
She also elaborated on the status of implementation of action plan in Bangladesh and role of different ministries involved in the process.