The recent study by Bangladesh Health Watch (BHW) paints a troubling picture for graduates in the public health discipline, revealing that 57 percent struggle to find jobs in their field. This statistic is not just a number; it reflects the systemic issues that plague the public health sector in Bangladesh, warranting immediate attention and action.

The barriers identified in the BHW report (published on January 16 titled, 57pc graduates struggle to get jobs: study) are stark and multifaceted. Limited job and research opportunities, a curriculum that fails to equip graduates with job-ready skills, and a shortage of qualified educators combine to create an environment where aspiring public health professionals find themselves at a dead end. This is particularly concerning since public health is crucial to improving overall societal well-being and addressing pressing health challenges.

One striking aspect of the findings is the disparity between public and private institution graduates. Non-medical graduates and those from public universities face greater difficulties in securing employment compared to their medical counterparts and peers from private institutions. The data indicate that graduates from institutions such as Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and Jahangirnagar University encounter the highest barriers, while those from North South University report the least challenges. This raises questions about the quality of education and the relevance of training programmes offered in public institutions.

It is essential to recognise that these challenges do not only affect individual graduates; they have broader implications for the country's public health landscape. The lack of well-prepared professionals hampers efforts to strengthen healthcare systems and improve health outcomes for the population. Furthermore, it undermines the potential for innovation and research in a sector that is desperately in need of both.

The opinions expressed by academic experts at the BHW launch highlight the urgent need for reform in public health education. Collaboration between public and private institutions, a focus on maintaining curriculum standards, and integrating public health into governance frameworks are crucial steps that must be taken. The education system should prioritise equipping students with practical skills that align with industry demands.

Public health education should not remain theoretical but must extend its benefits to the community level. Public health graduates deserve better opportunities to contribute to their communities and the nation as a whole. It is essential to transform the landscape of public health education in Bangladesh to ensure a brighter future for both graduates and the health sector at large.