Chonchol Mahmud, Author at HAEFA Bangladesh

Author: Chonchol Mahmud

Strengthening of Hypertension Detection, Treatment & Follow-up System at Primary Healthcare by Implementing HEARTS Package in Bangladesh

Posted on February 2, 2025February 2, 2025 by Chonchol Mahmud

On January 29, 2025, the Non-Communicable Diseases Control (NCDC) Program, in collaboration with the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh, successfully organized the Inauguration Program of the Expansion of the Bangladesh Hypertension Control Initiative. The event took place at 10:30 AM at the CIRDAP International Auditorium in Dhaka. This significant initiative, which focuses on implementing the HEARTS package for hypertension management, marked a major milestone with its expansion from 182 to 310 upazilas, effective January 2025. The expansion underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the growing burden of hypertension and improving cardiovascular health across the country.

The Honorable Advisor to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Nurjahan Begum, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. She emphasized the critical role of preventive measures, including early screening, lifestyle modifications, and public awareness campaigns, in combating hypertension and reducing the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in Bangladesh. She commended the collaborative efforts to strengthen primary healthcare services to ensure better health outcomes for the population.

The event was attended by a diverse group of key stakeholders, including senior government officials, healthcare professionals, and representatives from implementing partner organizations. The program highlighted the collective efforts of these stakeholders in advancing hypertension control and non-communicable disease (NCD) management across the country.

A notable highlight of the event was the recognition of Health and Education for All (HAEFA) as an NCD Management Model Implementation Partner. HAEFA was acknowledged for its outstanding contributions to strengthening hypertension and NCD care at the primary healthcare level. In Noakhali, HAEFA has successfully established and operationalized NCD services across eight Upazila Health Complexes (UHCs), one District Hospital, and one community clinic. These facilities provide comprehensive management for hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases using the NIROG electronic medical record (EMR) system.

Similarly, in Cox’s Bazar, HAEFA has expanded NCD services to 66 health facilities, including 48 Community Clinics (CC), 6 Family Welfare Centers (FWC), 1 District Hospital, 1 Maternal and Child Welfare Centre (MCWC), 2 Upazila Health Complexes (UHCs), and 8 Union Health Sub-Centers in Moheshkhali and Ukhiya. The integration of the NIROG EMR system in these facilities has enhanced patient monitoring, treatment adherence, and follow-up care, contributing to the overall strengthening of primary healthcare infrastructure in the region. These efforts have significantly improved access to quality hypertension and NCD care for communities in both Noakhali and Cox’s Bazar.

The program concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and healthcare professionals, to intensify hypertension control efforts, promote preventive strategies, and improve cardiovascular health outcomes nationwide. The collaborative spirit demonstrated during the event reflects a shared vision of a healthier Bangladesh, where preventable diseases like hypertension are effectively managed, and the population enjoys better quality of life.

This inauguration program marks a pivotal step forward in the fight against hypertension and NCDs in Bangladesh, setting a strong foundation for future initiatives aimed at achieving universal health coverage and sustainable health development.

Medical Officer (Female)

Posted on February 2, 2025February 2, 2025 by Chonchol Mahmud

Looking for Medical Officer (Female)

Job Title: Medical Officer (Female)

Job Location: FDMN Camp, Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar

Overview of Health and Education for All (HAEFA)

Health and Education for All (HAEFA) is a global leader in healthcare for underserved and vulnerable populations in Bangladesh, including remote and challenging areas. Utilizing innovative technologies like the solar-powered NIROG EHR system for managing chronic diseases and providing paperless cervical cancer screening and treatment, HAEFA is committed to empowering disadvantaged communities through sustainable health and education.

Position Overview:

HAEFA is looking for a BMDC-registered Medical Officer (Female) to provide healthcare services to FDMNs in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar. This is a full-time contractual position (initially for 3 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding).

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct patient consultations, physical examinations, and treatment.
Monitor and administer medications while maintaining patient records in NIROG (EHR system).
Assess and plan treatment, referrals, and necessary diagnostic tests.
Ensure patient confidentiality and maintain HIPAA-compliant records.
Coordinate with local government (CIC/RRRC, DGHS), UN agencies, NGOs, and INGOs for healthcare service integration.
Promote health education and community engagement.
Perform minor surgical procedures and explain treatments to patients.
Supervise medical camps, training, and meetings.

Requirements:

MBBS with BMDC registration (must include BMDC number in the application).
1-3 years of clinical experience. (fresh graduates are encouraged to apply).
Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
Strong coordination, communication, and teamwork skills.

Salary & Benefits:

Negotiable based on qualifications and experience.
Other benefits as per HAEFA policies.

Interested candidates should send their CV and cover letter (mentioning expected salary and availability) to haefa@haefa.org by February 7, 2025.Email Subject: Medical Officer, Ukhiya Cox’s Bazar

Send you CV to: haefa@haefa.org

Application Deadline: 7th February, 2025

HAEFA FLOOD RESPONSE FUNDRAISER

Posted on September 25, 2024December 3, 2024 by Chonchol Mahmud

Dear HAEFA Supporter,

As you may be aware, a recent catastrophic flood in the eastern coastal regions of Bangladesh submerged thousands of villages and displaced more than 5 million people! More than 74 lives have been lost and thousands have been injured. Many have been living in Flood Shelters till to date.

In response to this grave crisis, HAEFA has compiled Mobile Medical Teams to serve 5 different regions in Noakhali, one of the most affected regions in Bangladesh. These Mobile Medical Teams have already served more than 1,000 patients for post-flood diseases at 5 different shelters as of today. These teams have been providing healthcare, free life saving medicines, water purification tablets and feminine hygiene products to the patients at the flood shelter. Our goal is to provide healthcare and emergency lifesaving medicines to over 5,000 flood survivors in the next two weeks.

As a valued supporter of HAEFA, your ongoing generosity has made it possible for us to continue this life saving humanitarian work. Today, we ask for your help once again. Your donation, no matter the amount, will directly help provide support to the flood victims and the vulnerable populations including women, children, and the elderly of the coastal regions, who urgently need lifesaving measures.

Please consider making a donation and sharing this message using the fundraising flier below. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.

We are deeply grateful for your compassion and continued support!

Sincerely,
The HAEFA Team

Your generosity can make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most. Thank you for your kindness and support.

As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, all donations to HAEFA are tax deductible using the proceeding information.

HAEFA’s Tax Identification Number (EIN): 46-2997707

NTEE: Public Health Program (E70)

Text-to-Donate: 53-555 (Keyword: HAEFA)

Food supply for low-income and underprivileged families in Bangladesh during this Ramadan

Posted on April 4, 2022May 15, 2022 by Chonchol Mahmud

Would you like to join us in providing two-week food supply to 1,000 extremely low-income and underprivileged families in Bangladesh during this Ramadan? You can send two-week food supply for a 5-member family for only $12.50 per family in Bangladesh. www.haefa.org or bKash: 01770-433662.

During the first one year of COVID-19, due to lockdowns and joblessness, 24.5 million people went below the poverty line in Bangladesh in 2021. That’s almost 500,000 families below poverty line!

Like last Ramadan in 2021, with your kind help and support, HAEFA plans to deliver emergency food packages to 1,000 families this 2022 Ramadan.

Each food package costs $12.50. If your friends, colleagues, and families would like to DONATE or send ZAKAT, please encourage them to donate to HAEFA (www.haefa.org). If you are in Bangladesh, you may bKash your Zakat or donation to HAEFA’s bKash account: 01770-433662. We can help you send food packages to additional 1,000 families in need NOW. DONATE www.haefa.org or bKash: 01770-433662

HAEFA Newsletter – February 2022

Posted on March 21, 2022May 15, 2022 by Chonchol Mahmud

HAEFA is a non-profit organization which has been relentlessly providing health care services free of cost to the underprivileged population of Bangladesh. We are excited to announce that HAEFA has launched a fundraising campaign via GiveButter to celebrate the Bengali New Year (Pahela Baishakh) on April 14th. Our goal is to raise $50,000 and raise awareness about the various essential health care services, which HAEFA provides to underserved populations within Bangladesh. Please donate and spread the word!

HAEFA's Support to Bangladeshi Women to Fight Against Cervical Cancer

HAEFA continues to provide cervical cancer screening services in the districts of Kurigram and Cox’s Bazar. On January 21st, HAEFA held a VIA camp in the Katazalas community clinic, which is located in a very remote area of Bangladesh.

Here are some updates from January 2022:

Kurigram District:

More than 4,300 women were screened for cervical cancer in the Upazila Health Complex (UHCs) + Camps
More than 15 cases were found positive in the Upazila Health Complex (UHCs) + Camps

Cox’s Bazar:

More than 2,800 women were screened for cervical cancer in 7 VIA Centers (Sadar Hospital, MCWC, Ramu UHC, Maheshkhali UHC, Chakaria UHC, Pekua UHC, Kutubdia UHC) and 12 VIA camps in the respective upazilas of Cox’s Bazar including two hard-to-reach areas Kutubdia and Maheshkhali.
More than 20 cases were found positive through the initial VIA screening test and referred for further investigation.
More than 5 patients were followed-up with a second VIA screening test and colposcopy in Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital.
More than 5 were identified as suspected cancer patients and referred to Chattogram Medical College and the National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital (NICRH).

COVID-19 Among FDMN/Rohingya Refugees

(As of February 20, 2022)

Source: WHO Cox’s Bazar Data Hub

Among the FDMN/Rohingya Refugees, an estimated 90,950 tests were conducted, 5,545 confirmed cases, and 40 deaths from COVID-19. More than 800 people were isolated, and around 15,670 people had been quarantined. The number of recovered cases was more than 4,680.
Among the host community, an estimated 197,100 were conducted, 23,120 confirmed cases, and 265 deaths from COVID-19. More than 900 people were isolated, and around 49,875 people had been quarantined. The number of recovered cases was more than 21,940.

HAEFA's Contribution to Ensure the Wellbeing of Rohingya FDMN/Refugees

HAEFA health care professionals have been providing medical care to the Rohingya people and Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) since the establishment of Cox’s Bazar refugee camp. HAEFA primarily provides health care services in 3 Rohingya refugee camps located at Kutupalong (Camp 1w), Balukhali (Camp 9), and Bhashan Char (FDMN). In these 3 camps, HAEFA health care workers provide on-site medical services for acute and chronic health conditions including maternal and preventive care, raise awareness on family planning and breastfeeding, conduct health screening, provide education on nutrition, hygiene and feminine health, promote immunization programs for children and adults, and supply medications.

In the month of January 2022, more than 7,000 refugees have received free medical care from HAEFA. A January summary of the medical conditions of the patients treated by the three camps operated by HAEFA is provided below.

Balukhali (Camp 9): HAEFA team provided health care services to more than 2,170 in the Balukhali camp.
Kutupalong (Camp 1w): HAEFA team provided health care services to more than 3,150 patients in the Kutupalong camp.

Bhashan Char (FDMN): HAEFA team provided health care services to more than 1,710 patients in the Bhashan Char FDMN camp.

The most prevalent cases found in these camps were cough, fever, Diabetes mellitus (DM), Hypertension (HTN), skin diseases, asthma, and presumptive TB.

FDMN/Rohingya Refugees Vaccination Updates

HAEFA also continues to provide COVID-19 vaccination to the Rohingya people in Bhashan Char, Ukhia, and Teknaf.
Bhashan Char:
- As of January 4, 2022 an estimated 84,820 individuals were vaccinated against COVID-19 in Bhashan Char. More than 7,130 received their 1st dose and 77,685 received their 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Of those vaccinated, more than 870 were pregnant women.
- During the 2nd phase occurring from January 27 – February 2, more than 605 and 5,830 personnel were vaccinated against COVID-19 with the 1st and 2nd dose, respectively.
Ukhia and Teknaf:
The second round of the Ukhiya and Teknaf’s vaccination campaign was held between January 26 – February 17, 2022.
- An estimated 34,2375 people over 18 years of age have received their 1st dose, which is 88% of the target population.
  - Around 282,660 individuals in Ukhia are vaccinated, 4,555 of them pregnant women.
  - Around 59,715 individuals in Teknaf are vaccinated, 1,910 of them pregnant women
- An estimated 280,335 people received a 2nd dose (91% of the population who received their 1st dose also received their 2nd dose!)
  - Around 232,085 individuals in Ukhia received a 2nd dose
  - Around 48,245 individuals in Teknaf received a 2nd dose

HAEFA Continues to Support Mental Health Crisis and Reduce Stigma

March 5th and 6th, 8:30PM – 10:30PM BST – Register Here
March 19th and 20th, 8:30PM – 10:30PM BST – Register Here

Be a Part of the HAEFA Team

Join us as a Research Associate:

The Research Associate (RA) will develop research protocols, grant proposals, create data collection tools, collect and analyze primary and secondary data for research and then write reports and manuscripts. The RA will present research findings in national and international meetings, seminars and conferences. Mentoring will be provided to develop skills in preparing and submitting grant proposals and research manuscripts. Based in Dhaka, the RA may need to occasionally make field visits for data collection. The successful candidate will work with experienced health researchers and have the opportunity to develop a track record to pursue higher studies in a few years, if desired.
Find additional information regarding the associated responsibilities and location of the job on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Deadline: 15th March, 2022

HAEFA Newsletter – January 2022

Posted on February 19, 2022May 15, 2022 by Chonchol Mahmud

HAEFA's Support to Bangladeshi Women to Fight Against Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is one of the largest health threats facing women in Bangladesh today. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), over 50 million Bangladeshi women are at high risk of developing cervical cancer.
With a ‘Star in Global Health’ award, HAEFA introduced an innovative single-visit see-and-treat cervical cancer (CC) screening and treatment for the ready-made garment (RMG) factory workers in Bangladesh in 2018.
HAEFA has been providing this see-and-treat CC screening to women aged between 30-60 year of age, using mobile colposcope in Kurigram district since 2019 and in Cox’s Bazar district since 2021.
HAEFA has been working with UNFPA and DGHS with funding support from FCDO for Kurigram and from the World Bank for Cox’s Bazar.
Cox’s Bazar is part of the Health and Gender Support Project for host communities funded by the World Bank.

Kurigram District:

More than 5,000 women were screened for cervical cancer in the month of December; more than 30 of whom tested VIA positive.
Confirmed Cervical Cancer Patients were sent to the National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital (NICRH) in Dhaka for treatment on 23 December 2021.
Suspected cancer patients were referred to Rangpur Medical College Hospital for further evaluation (biopsy) in January 2022.
During the visit of Brown University and the UNFPA Team in Kurigram in December 2021, a total of 5 digital colposcopy camps were arranged to provide treatment facilities to the VIA positive patients.
More than 140 patients were brought from 9 Upazilas at colposcopy camps and Professor Susan Cu-Uvin, MD conducted colposcopy and provided treatment support to more than 10 positive patients using thermocoagulation.
HAEFA’s Dr. Sumashree Roy and midwife Parul Rani were trained for thermocoagulation, a method used for treating early precancerous lesions.

Cox’s Bazar:

In December, more than 1,500 women were screened at the VIA centers at 7 upazila health complexes (UHC) in Cox’s Bazar. Around 20 cases were VIA positive. More than 2 positive patients were confirmed positive after the second VIA.
The HAEFA Cox’s Bazar team organized 7 VIA camps during this reporting time in four Upazilas. More than 780 women were screened and around 10 were positive.
In December 2021, Brown University and HAEFA organized three Colposcopy camps (two at District Hospital and one in Pekua UHC). More than 170 patients had undergone mobile (digital) Colposcopy. The team identified five positive cases and performed Thermocoagulation. Prof. Dr. Susan Cu-Uvin trained HAEFA’s physician (Dr. Tasnim Toma and Dr. Rubaiya Shafrin in thermocoagulation. In addition, several medical officers and senior staff nurses at the District Hospital were also trained for mobile colposcopy and thermocoagulation. Associate Prof. of Brown University Dr. Ruhul Abid conducted a large group training on COVID-19 IPC including origin, human-to-human transmission, precautions, and prevention of SARS CoV-2, followed by Q&A with service providers.
High officials from DG Health and UNFPA presented their introductory speech to the participants, which included a detailed discussion on the challenges on screening precancerous cervical lesions and way forward.

Hands-on Training on Mobile ODT and Thermocoagulation Machine:

Practical demonstrations on data input, imaging, and screening using Mobile ODT were introduced and performed under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Susan Cu-Uvin in the presence of senior OBGYN consultants, medical officers, midwives, paramedics, and SSNs.

The goal of the refresher training was to train the participants to provide better service to the targeted group with more accuracy and minimal suffering to the patients with precancerous lesions.
The training was very informative and supportive to ensure a better quality of service provided by the providers.

HAEFA's Contribution to Ensure the Wellbeing of Rohingya FDMN/Refugees

Health And Education For All provides free healthcare services to underserved communities in Bangladesh. Since 2017, our medical teams have provided care for over 145,000 Rohingya refugees in the Cox’s Bazar district. HAEFA healthcare professionals have been providing free medical care and medicines to the Rohingya FDMN since its establishment. In the month of December 2021, more than 4,000 refugees have received free medical care from HAEFA. A summary of the medical conditions of the patients treated by the three camps of HAEFA is provided below.

Kutupalong (Camp 1W):

More than 2500 patients visited Camp 1W in Kutupalong and received Healthcare services.
The prevalent cases were Fever, Cough, DM, HTN, Asthma, COVID-19-like symptoms, and Dermatitis.

Balukhali (Camp 09):

More than 1500 patients visited Camp 9 in Balukhali and received Healthcare services.
The prevalent cases were Fever, Cough, DM, HTN, Asthma, COVID-19-like symptoms, and Dermatitis.
A Diagnostic pathological lab for NCD (non-communicable diseases) were introduced at Camp 09 in December 2021The NCD Lab introduction meeting was held in Camp 09 CIC Office conference room. Among the participants, the president of HAEFA Dr. Ruhul Abid, Prof. Dr. Susan Cu-Uvin, Line Director of NCD DGHS Prof. Dr. Robed Amin, other high officials from DG Health, Dr Abu Toha M.R.H Bhuiyan of RRRC , CIC Camp 09 Mr. Md. Arafatul Alam and UHFPO, Dr. Ranjan Barua Rajon from Upazila Health Complex of Cox’s Bazar were present.

FDMN Rohingya camp at Bhashan Char:

More than 1400 patients visited and received free healthcare services including medicine in December 2021.
The prevalent cases were fever, cough, HTN, DM, asthma, presumptive TB, skin disease, and pregnancy.

Transportation and delivery of medicine from Dhaka to Chittagong Naval Shipyard, and finally to Bhashan Char HAEFA Medical Center were made to meet up the beneficiaries medical needs.

FDMN/Rohingya Refugee COVID-19 Vaccination:

In the second phase of COVID-19 vaccination in Ukhiya, more than 306,700 people were vaccinated, accounting for 79% of the total target population over the age of 18.
Among the total vaccinated population, 47% were male and 53% were females.

HAEFA Stands Behind HIV-Positive Patients

HAEFA has been providing treatment and medication for HIV-positive patients for the last 1 year. The medication has been secured from Cox’s Bazar Sader Hospital. The individuals were given medicine at three-month intervals and were monitored by medical personnel on a regular basis.

HAEFA Continues to Support Mental Health Crisis and Reduce Stigma

HAEFA, in collaboration with Project HOPE and partners at the National Institute of Mental Health, and BSMMU, Dhaka, is implementing “HERO-BANGLADESH,” an online Mental Health and Resiliency Training of the Trainers (TOT) for frontline healthcare workers including physicians, nurses, paramedics of Bangladesh since November 2021.
This Mental Health TOT was inaugurated by the Honorable Minister Dr. Dipu Moni, MP, Ministry of Education on November 25, 2021. Other dignitaries present at the occasion were Prof. Dr. Robed Amin, Line Director, NCD, DGHS, as well as national mental health specialists Prof. Dr. Mohit Kamal, Dr. Mekhala Sarkar, and other mental health experts and enthusiasts from the USA and Bangladesh. The session was moderated by Prof. Dr. Ruhul Abid and other volunteer physicians, trainers, and management staff of HAEFA. This online, live, interactive training course has two modules: Module 1 : Overview of Stress; and Module 2: Management of Stress and Building Resilience.
It is a Free of Cost two-day course with two-hour per day, led by the mental health experts of BSMMU, NIMH, and volunteer physicians and enthusiasts of Bangladesh and the USA.
After completing both modules, trainers get a “Training Completion Certificate” and other training materials. Participants of the TOT will then conduct cascading trainings to share mental health resources within their networks. HERO-BANGLADESH is aiming to train 3,000 healthcare workers by April 2022.
The primary goal is to ensure this information is disseminated as widely as possible throughout Bangladesh.

Advanced COVID-19 Clinical Management Certification Course by HAEFA

- The three-hour online course has been developed by HAEFA in collaboration with the DGHS, Project HOPE and The Center for Human Rights & Humanitarian Studies of Brown University, USA, with support from Save the Children Bangladesh and USAID.
- The main objective of this free-of-cost Clinical Course is to help physicians in Bangladesh acquire the most current, evidence-based clinical knowledge and skills for COVID-19 management in an easily digestible and interactive manner.
- The Certificate is issued by the CHRHS Brown University, DGHS, Project HOPE and HAEFA in collaboration with SCiB and USAID.