American
International
University-
Bangladesh

Students & Supervisors

Abstract

Bangladesh is working hard to achieve universal health coverage, and a strong, reliable primary healthcare system is central to this goal. Under the Digital Bangladesh initiative, the country has rolled out various digital health tools to help bridge gaps in access, quality, and efficiency. Yet, there has been limited long-term evaluation on how these tools have affected core health outcomes across rural and urban areas. This study examines trends in health equity, disease prevalence, nutrition, access to healthcare services, and immunization over 30 years (1994–2023) in Bangladesh. It also assesses whether and how digital health interventions such as telemedicine, electronic health records, and mobile apps have contributed to improving primary care delivery and service quality. Using national data from 1994 to 2023, we conducted regression and correlation analyses to track changes in five key health indicators and to identify persistent gaps in primary healthcare. Alongside this quantitative work, we reviewed program reports, policy documents, and academic literature on major digital health interventions in Bangladesh to evaluate their practical impacts on access, quality, and system efficiency. Immunization rates saw impressive highs in 2006 (93.8%), 2020 (94.9%), and 2021 (97.9%), but also pronounced dips, for example, in 1996 (65.6%) and 2022 (63.7%). Disease prevalence similarly showed recurring peaks, suggesting that immunization alone has not been sufficient to control disease burden. Measures of health equity improved in some periods but regressed in others. Nutritional outcomes also fluctuated; there were periods of strong performance, but also years of sharp decline. Statistical analyses indicate that while immunization has a positive effect, its relationship with disease prevalence is weak when other determinants such as access, equity, and system capacity are not considered. The results suggest wide swings over time in immunization, disease burden, nutrition, and equity. Digital health interventions show promise in stabilizing these fluctuations, especially where they improve reach, reduce inequities, or make services more efficient. However, their success depends on consistent implementation, infrastructure, health literacy among populations, and supportive policy. Bangladesh’s primary healthcare achievements are uneven over time. To make progress that lasts, digital health tools need to be deeply integrated into the PHC system, not just as pilots. When deployed thoughtfully, these tools can help reduce disparities, improve access, and raise quality, but achieving universal health coverage will require attention to infrastructure, training, and equity as much as technology.

Keywords

Publication Details

• Type of Publication:
• Conference Name: 7th International Conference on Integrated Sciences (ICIS 2025)
• Date of Conference: 25/10/2025 - 25/10/2025
• Venue: Eastern University Campus, Ashulia, Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Organizer: Eastern University, Bangladesh