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Bangladesh

Since its independence in 1971, Bangladesh has made significant progress in reducing poverty and improving the lives of its population. However, 45% of the country’s 135 million people still live below the poverty line. Malnutrition and maternal mortality rates are among the highest in the world; at least one in three mothers gives birth without ever having seen a health practitioner.

In partnership with the Church of Bangladesh, Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting health care in two impoverished areas of the country. The Thanarbaid Clinic and its sub-center in Dhorati serve 18 communities in the Madhupur subdistrict in the central part of the country.

Promoting Health and Fighting Disease

  • The Thanarbaid Clinic and Dhorati sub-center provide inpatient and outpatient care, maternity facilities, a village health outreach service and a hospital transfer service. The village health workers, who receive training from the clinic staff, bring prenatal and postnatal care, nutrition education and preventative health services directly to residents.
  • Seven village health workers trained at the Thanarbaid Clinic provide antenatal care, preventative health, nutrition, family planning, sanitation and health education in 18 villages.
  • Clinic staff are implementing a primary health education program for five local primary schools.
  • Monthly health education workshops teach residents about reproductive health, nutrition, sanitation, and prevention of HIV/AIDS, STDs and malaria. HIV/AIDS education and advocacy programs train health workers, youth, clergy and other leaders to teach prevention and provide counseling and referrals.

Alleviating Hunger and Improving Food Supply

  • The Thanarbaid Clinic maintains a fish pond, duck farm, vegetable garden and fruit trees to provide food for the patients and staff.

Creating Economic Opportunities and Strengthening Communities

  • A micro-finance program provides opportunities for disabled patients to start small businesses and earn a living.
     
  •  Thanarbaid is renovating its inpatient ward to improve the aging mud floor and walls.

 

 

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