Author: Md. Saiful Alam
Events by HAEFA at Brown University, and horse/donkey cart :
Global Health Initiative Opportunities
Global Health Initiative Grand Rounds Lecture Series
Lectures | Receptions | Networking
Ruhul Abid, MD, PhD and
Bushra Binte Alam, MD, M.Phil
Tue | Oct 22 | 5-7pm
AMS | Room 280
AMS | Room 280
Lecture: Healthcare Delivery in Humanitarian Crisis and Resource-limited Setting: Management of Chronic Diseases
Dr. Ruhul Abid is an Associate Professor at Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School. Dr. Bushra Binte Alam is a Senior Health Specialist for the Health Nutrition and Population Global Practice at the World Bank, based in Bangladesh.
Drs. Abid and Alam are collaborating to provide humanitarian and healthcare services to 1.1 million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar living in the southeastern coastal regions of Bangladesh since 2017. They will share how the history of persecution and sensitivity to the local contexts helped them overcome the huge challenges in successfully serving the Rohingya and the host communities.
Dinner provided. Please RSVP if attending in person.
Informal Session with Pizza Lunch | 12-1pm | AMS Room 346
Please email eileen_wright@brown.edu to register.
Students • Faculty • Residents • Fellows • Trainees • PCE Credits • BRIGHT Eligible
Funding support provided by the Arnold T. Galkin Fund in memory of Paul J. Galkin
Informal Session with Pizza Lunch | 12-1pm | AMS Room 346
Please email eileen_wright@brown.edu to register.
Students • Faculty • Residents • Fellows • Trainees • PCE Credits • BRIGHT Eligible
Funding support provided by the Arnold T. Galkin Fund in memory of Paul J. Galkin
Save the date for the following lecture series
Great! Awesome work by the HAEFA-UMD students for HAEFA
Great! Awesome work by the HAEFA-UMD students for the HAEFA team AT the University of Maryland, USA !!
AMBULANCE DRIVER
Looking for Ambulance Driver
Job Title: Ambulance Driver
Job Location: Cox’s Bazar District (Transferable to any location in Bangladesh)
Employment Type: Full-Time,
Contract Duration: Initially 1 year (Renewable)
Contract Duration: September 15, 2024
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 seeks an experienced Ambulance Driver for our Healthcare Services Program Funded by PWC & HAEFA, USA for the Rohingya intervention for the FDMN at FDMN Camp, Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar. This role involves the safe transportation of patients, medical staff, and equipment, as well as the maintenance of the ambulance and ensuring high-quality service.
Major tasks and responsibilities
- Safely transport patients, medical staff, and equipment to and from healthcare facilities and locations as required.
- Maintain the ambulance in a clean and operational condition, performing routine checks and reporting any mechanical issues promptly.
- Update the immediate supervisor before arrival and after departure.
- Use a logbook to keep track of ambulance runs, service, and inspections, and maintain detailed records of vehicle usage, fuel consumption, and maintenance.
- The log book should be signed by the local HAEFA supervisors in Ukhiya, FDMN- DAILY by the end of the service DAILY in Ukhiya/CXB.
- A copy of the log book will be scanned and sent to Dhaka Office by email to Operations and HR as well as the CD, SD, and Project Manager, every Saturday morning.
- Ensure all necessary medical supplies and equipment are stocked and available in the ambulance.
- Adhere to all traffic laws and safety regulations while driving.
- Provide timely and efficient transport in emergency and non-emergency situations.
- Assist with loading and unloading patients and medical equipment as needed.
- Communicate effectively with medical staff and other team members to ensure smooth operations.
- Demonstrate compassion and empathy towards patients, respecting their dignity and privacy.
- Follow all HAEFA policies and procedures related to patient care and transportation.
Educational Qualifications: Minimum SSC level.
Additional Qualifications:
- Valid driving license (Light/Heavy) with a clean driving record.
- Minimum 2 years of experience as an ambulance driver or in a similar role.
- Knowledge of emergency procedures and protocols.
- Ability to handle stressful situations calmly and efficiently.
- Basic knowledge of vehicle maintenance and repair.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Commitment to providing high-quality service to patients and medical staff.
- Technological Competencies.
- Basic proficiency in using communication devices and GPS systems.
Salary: BDT 30,000/- per month, consolidated. No overtime or annual/festival bonus unless provided by the donor organization
Additional Information: No breakfast, lunch, or dinner will be provided during official regular travel. Candidates are responsible for their meals during daily routine working hours. However, for tours to other upazila & districts, per diem for food and accommodation (if necessary) will be provided as per HAEFA policies.
Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should send their resume/CV along with a cover letter mentioning their date of availability and expected salary to haefa@haefa.org by September 15th, 2024. Please include “Ambulance Driver, HAEFA, Cox’s Bazar” in the subject line of your email.
Health and Education for All (HAEFA) is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.
HAEFA’s Student-Led Teach-In Session at George Washington University Medical School
HAEFA’s Student-Led Teach-In Session at George Washington University Medical School
On May 7th, 2024, HAEFA’s George Washington medical school chapter hosted its inaugural meeting. The meeting was presented under a teach-in format with multiple speakers composed entirely of student leadership from the organization. The topics of the teach-in were the HAEFA’s humanitarian and clinical services using electronic medical record (EMR) system for the rural and underserved populations in Kurigram, Noakhali and Cox’s Bazar districts of Bangladesh. A major focus of the topics was also on the Rohingya FDMN/refugee crisis and HAEFA’s intervention within the camps. The six student presenters were as follows: Ishan Abdullah, Meagan Mitchell, Abdulla Ali, William Huang, Hannaka Spillman,& Omar Saadi. Highlighted during the meeting were HAEFA’s innovative see-and-treat approach for cervical cancer, community-based tuberculosis screening and treatment workflow, COVID-19 management, natural disaster aid, and the implementation of NIROG in remote and underserved areas of Bangladesh. After discussing HAEFA’s role, the goals of the student organization were reviewed, and upcoming opportunities for new members were revealed. The talk was concluded with a reminder about how the plight of global disadvantaged populations vastly extends past their media exposure and the duty of students today in educating themselves and others to ensure these people are continuously given the support they need, The student organization has two fundraisers planned for the upcoming months and hopes to host another dedicated teach-in session focused on HAEFA’s disaster response within refugee camps.
New Cervical Cancer Screening Training and Research Center
The cervical Cancer Screening Training and Research Center of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), was inaugurated on February 20th, 2023, with the aim to become the regional training hub for cervical cancer in Bangladesh, providing training to providers from various districts and upazilas of Bangladesh.
The opening ceremony was graced by esteemed guests, including the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), Professor Dr. Abul Basar Mohammad Khurshid Alam (DG), and Additional Director General (Administration), Professor Dr. Ahmedul Kabir (ADG), who joined in the ribbon cutting ceremony to officially launch the center. The center has also received support from Brown University Global Health Initiative, Health and Education for All (HAEFA), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)’s technical facilitators, who are providing their expertise to ensure the center’s success.
The center has also received support from the Brown University Global Health Initiative and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)’s technical facilitators, who are providing their expertise to ensure the success of the center. In addition, these organizations are also involved in capacity building and strengthening public healthcare facilities for cervical cancer in nine upazilas of Kurigram District and six upazilas of Cox’s Bazar District. The center’s primary focus is on capacity building and training of service providers to improve the quality of cervical cancer screening and treatment in Bangladesh. By providing a centralized location for training, the center will be able to offer accessible and effective services to those in need.
Read more about it here!
HAEFA NEWSLETTER – May 2023
CYCLONE MOCHA PUMMELS BANGLADESH COASTLINE, CAUSES EXTENSIVE DAMAGE
Cyclone Mocha pummelled the coastline of Bangladesh on the night of Sunday, May 14, 2023, wreaking widespread destruction. The violent storm left its mark on a staggering 2,548 shelters across 33 Rohingya refugee camps in the Ukhiya and Teknaf Upazilas of Cox’s Bazar. This resulted in the complete annihilation of approximately 278 residences.
According to an official report from the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner’s Office, issued on the same day, 1,611 Rohingya refugees have been impacted, with seven injuries reported. Balukhali Camp 9 in Ukhiya bore the brunt of the storm, witnessing damage to around 485 shelters. In a preemptive move to ensure the safety of the Rohingya refugees, 3,031 individuals were relocated owing to the impending threat of landslides and torrential rain brought on by the cyclone. The HAEFA Health Post, a crucial healthcare facility in Balukhali Camp 09, also suffered considerable damage during the calamity.
Donate to Support Our Cause!
HAEFA is in need of your donations to support the healthcare and free medicines for 1.1 million Rohingya. refugees FDMN (Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals) in the makeshift camps and also for the underserved, hard-to-reach people living in the coastal and flood prone areas in Bangladesh. Any support, whether donations, outreach, aid in collaboration from personal and professional involvement, or any other method of support to HAEFA and its underprivileged, underserved, and displaced beneficiaries, would be greatly appreciated! All donations to HAEFA are tax-deductible as allowed by the laws of the United States.
- 𝑯𝑨𝑬𝑭𝑨’𝒔 𝑻𝒂𝒙 𝑰𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑵𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 (𝑬𝑰𝑵): 46-2997707
- 𝑵𝑻𝑬𝑬: Public Health Program (E70)
- Text-to-Donate : 53-555 (Keyword: HAEFA)
- Online Donations by PayPal, Credit or Debit card : www.haefa.org (Click the DONATE link)
- You can also mail check addressed to “HAEFA” : 311 Bedford St, Lexington, MA 02420, USA
HAEFA NEWSLETTER – April 2023
A massive fire ripped through the Rohingya refugee camp
In the Rohingya community, a devastating fire is just the latest tragedy. A massive fire ripped through the Rohingya refugee camp in Ukhiya Upazila, Bangladesh’s southern district of Cox’s Bazar, on Sunday, March 5th, 2023, leaving around 12,000 people homeless.
The blaze started at about 8:45 and quickly tore through the bamboo-and-tarpaulin shelters. A devastating fire broke out in one the 33 camps hosting almost 1 million Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar district, Bangladesh (3). A fire started in Camp 11 and quickly spread to the neighboring camps, including Camp 10, a highly congested area. However, due to the wide drain separating Camp 10 from Camp 9 and the direction of the wind, Camp 9 was saved from the fire. Authorities and the fire brigades did their best to control the fire, and around 6 p.m., the fire had become under control (4).
It is estimated around 12,000 people, most of whom escaped violence in neighboring Myanmar, are now homeless (1). The devastating fire destroyed an estimated 2805 shelters (3). The blaze was brought under control within three hours but at least 35 mosques and 21 learning centers for the refugees were also destroyed (2). The blaze destroyed health and education facilities, water networks and other daily need materials for people living in the camp. Refugees in the most affected areas lost their belongings, including registration documents and other essential things.
The cause of the fire is not yet known and no casualties have been reported but the fire on Sunday razed many shelters after spreading quickly through gas cylinders in kitchens.
In Cox’s Bazar, Rohingya refugees face significant hassle. The camps have been hit by floods and landslides, highlighting Bangladesh’s climate change vulnerability. Between January 2021 and December 2022, there were 222 fire incidents in the Rohingya camps including 60 cases of arson, according to a Bangladesh defense ministry report released last month (1).
The casualty reports indicate that:
- Approximately 2,805 shelters were destroyed by fire (3)
- Roughly 12,000 FDMN were left homeless due to the fire.
- 35 mosques and 21 learning centers were burnt down.
- Several other health posts were also destroyed in the fire.
The Rohingya are Muslims in largely Buddhist Myanmar, where they have faced persecution for generations. More than five years ago, hundreds of thousands of Rohingya poured into Bangladesh from neighboring Myanmar, where the marginalized group faced violence at the hands of the military described by the United Nations as ethnic cleansing.
About 1.2 million Rohingya—around 50 percent of them children—live in squalid conditions in Cox’s Bazar, in an area of less than seven square miles. Already, they have lost many things to previous violence in their homeland. Now because of this fire, these Rohingya for the second time become homeless and lost everything. These refugees are totally dependent on international aid. Providentially, different agencies are on the field with the support of the international community. Some agencies provide materials to meet their basic needs such as food, water or education. HAEFA (Health and Education for All) ,a NGO (non governmental organization), is one of those which is trying to help them from the beginning.
Although the fire was very closely located to the HAEFA health posts in Camp 09 and Camp 1W, the HAEFA medical team has been active in the affected areas from the very beginning of the fire. Preventive measures have been taken to protect the health posts as well as other medical facilities nearby, and medical assistance is being given to the thousands suffering from burns and injuries. HAEFA personnel have also been involved with the rescue efforts in the area, and as a result, critical healthcare services were given in time to many who needed it.
On March 6, an emergency medical team from HAEFA started working onsite to provide additional support to victims at the health posts. Md. Jahidul Islam, the Medical Assistant and Camp Coordinator at the Balukhali Camp 09, reports, “In the days since, we have treated three burn patients with dressing and medicine. The emergency required quick thinking and hard work, but it was all worth it.” The team has also collected important data, such as the previously stated numbers of shelters destroyed and newly homeless FDMNs, to better understand the extent of damage and work on the victims’ rehabilitation accordingly.
Kutupalong (Camp 1W):
- More than 2,715 patients visited Camp 1W in Kutupalong and received healthcare services.
- 133 laboratory tests were conducted at HAEFA’s semi-automated NCD Pathological Laboratory
Balukhali (Camp 09):
- More than 1,805 patients visited Camp 09 in Balukhali and received healthcare services.
- 195 laboratory tests were conducted at HAEFA’s semi-automated NCD Pathological Laboratory
FDMN Rohingya Camp at Bhashan Char:
- More than 2,322 patients visited the HAEFA Medical Check-Up and Treatment for FDMN Rohingya Camp at Bhashan Char and received healthcare services
References:
(1)https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-64858932
(2)https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-64854843
(3)https://www.dhakatribune.com/foreign-affairs/2023/03/10/eu-releases-1m-in-emergency-aid-for-rohingya-camp-fire-victims
(4)https://www.npr.org/2023/03/06/1161248208/massive-fire-tears-through-a-crowded-rohingya-refugee-camp-in-bangladesh
At a glimpse: Healthcare services provided by HAEFA in Bangladesh
- 64,855 women (30-60 years) were screened for the detection of early-stage cervical cancer in 9 Upazilas of Kurigram from Nov. 2019 – Mar. 2023
- 42,895 women (30-60 years) were screened for the detection of early-stage cervical cancer in 6 Upazilas of Cox’s Bazar from July 2021 – March 2023
- 268,985 Rohingya refugees/FDMN in Ukhiya and Bangladeshi nationals living in the surrounding Ukhiya Upazila (sub-district) received free medical care in Cox’s Bazar from October 2017 to March 2023
- 48,140 Rohingya refugees/FDMN in Bhashan Char and Bangladeshi nationals living on the island have received free medical care in Bhashan Char, Noakhali, since November 2020
- More than 3,930 Bangladeshi nationals in Ukhiya received free medical services from the Mobile Medical Clinics of HAEFA since 2022.
- A total of 9,990 Diagnostic Lab Tests have been performed at HAEFA’s NCD-based Path Lab in camp 09 and 1w since January 2022.
- More than 6,000 Healthcare providers were trained under the TOT program for Mental Health Support and Resilience Training in collaboration with Project HOPE
- More than 3,000 physicians received the Advanced COVID-19 Clinical Management Certification online at the DGHS, MoHFW website. This course collaborates with DGHS, Brown University CHRHS, Project HOPE, HAEFA, USAID, and SCiB.
- More than 40 students from classes six to twelve at (Bhawal Mirzapur Hazi Jamir Uddin School And College) received annual merit scholarships from 2019 till to date. This is a collaboration between HAEFA and M A Malek Education Scholarship Foundation.
- COVID-19 Relief Effort for Underprivileged people :
HAEFA Provided a two-week supply of food packages for more than 1,500 families (5 members/family) in 5 districts of Bangladesh in 2021-2022.
Screening, Treatment & Management for Prevention of Cervical Cancer Training held
Cervical cancer is one of the most major health concerns in Bangladesh with a staggering 12,000 new cases and 6,000 deaths reported each year. With the aim to become the regional training hub for cervical cancer in Bangladesh, providing training to service providers from various districts and upazilas of the country, the Cervical Cancer Screening Training and Research Center of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), was inaugurated on February 20th, 2023, with the technical support of HAEFA and Brown University and funding support from the UNFPA and DGHS.
Training on Screening, Treatment & Management for Prevention of Cervical Cancer was held in three consecutive batches at Dhaka Medical College Hospital in February. The First Batch commenced from 11th February till 23rd February 2023, the Second Batch from 25th February till 9th March, 2023 and the Third Batch, from 11th March to 23rd March, 2023. In the 1st Batch, Gynae consultant from Ulipur UHC, Medical officer from District Hospital of kurigram & Bhurungamari, SSN from DH, Bhurungamari & Rawmari UHC, Also Mymensingh Medical College Hospital’s Gynae Consultant were present. The 2nd & 3rd batches included the presence of Cox’s Bazar District’s service providers, Gynae consultant and MO’s. A total of 44 service providers were trained by these training sessions.
The training programs were designed to conduct a 12-day training. In the first 6 days, VIA Basic training and in the following 6 days, Colposcopy basic training with advance management were held.
All batches were closed with a certificate giving ceremony, where Director of DMCH Dr. Nazmul Haque, Deputy Director Dr Md Zillur Rahman, Assistant Director of DMCH Dr Ashraful Alam, Gynae Departmental Head Prof. Dr Nazma Haque with additional 6 faculty members were present.
“Healthcare Campaign Week” held to commemorate the 103rd birthday of the Father of the nation
To celebrate the 103rd birthday of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and National Children’s Day, 10 camps were set up on “Cervical Cancer and Breast Cancer Screening”. The camps were a part of the “Healthcare Campaign Week,”and were held in different community clinics of different Upazilas on 23rd March 2023.
These camps were a collaboration between HAEFA and DGHS, Ministry of Health (MoHFW), Government of Bangladesh. One dedicated representative from the HAEFA Cervical Cancer Cox’s Bazar team for each camp site and three members monitoring unit visited different Community Clinics. A total number of 251 eligible women were screened.
Healthcare for the Rohingya FDMNs/Refugees
Since its establishment in October 2017, HAEFA’s healthcare workers have provided free medical care and medicine to the Rohingya FDMNs. In March 2023, more than 4,520 individuals received free medical care and diagnostic services from HAEFA.
Kutupalong (Camp 1W):
- More than 2,320 patients visited Camp 1W in Kutupalong and received healthcare services.
- 130 laboratory tests were conducted at HAEFA’s semi-automated NCD Pathological Laboratory
Balukhali (Camp 09):
- More than 1,610 patients visited Camp 09 in Balukhali and received healthcare services.
- 190 laboratory tests were conducted at HAEFA’s semi-automated NCD Pathological Laboratory
FDMN Rohingya Camp at Bhashan Char:
- More than 2,330 patients visited the HAEFA Medical Check-Up and Treatment for FDMN Rohingya Camp at Bhashan Char and received healthcare services
HAEFA Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment
- In Kurigram District, HAEFA provided over 1408 women with cervical cancer screenings conducted in Upazila Health Complexes (UHCs). 50 patients were found VIA positive through the initial screening test and referred for further investigation and treatment.
- In March 2023, more than 1660 women were screened in 06 VIA centers (Sadar Hospital, MCWC, Ramu UHC, Moheshkhali UHC, Chakaria UHC, Pekua UHC) and 10 VIA Camps including two hard-to-reach areas of Kutubdia and Moheshkhali. Thirty-five cases were found positive through the initial VIA screening test and referred for further investigation. The team followed up with them and organized Colposcopy in Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital and Chakaria UHC. Seventeen Colposcopies and three thermocoagulations were performed at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital. The Cox’s Bazar Project team also followed up with seven previously identified cancer patients and referred them to Chattogram Medical College and the National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital (NICRH), Mohakhali, Dhaka, for further treatment.
HAEFA Health Clinic for Host Community
In March, the HAEFA Health Clinic services for the host community were provided on the 23rd of the month to more than 70 patients, at Phalong Model High School, Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.
Donate to Support Our Cause!
HAEFA is in need of your donations to support the healthcare and free medicines for 1.1 million Rohingya. refugees FDMN (Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals) in the makeshift camps and also for the underserved, hard-to-reach people living in the coastal and flood prone areas in Bangladesh. Any support, whether donations, outreach, aid in collaboration from personal and professional involvement, or any other method of support to HAEFA and its underprivileged, underserved, and displaced beneficiaries, would be greatly appreciated! All donations to HAEFA are tax-deductible as allowed by the laws of the United States.
- 𝑯𝑨𝑬𝑭𝑨’𝒔 𝑻𝒂𝒙 𝑰𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑵𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 (𝑬𝑰𝑵): 46-2997707
- 𝑵𝑻𝑬𝑬: Public Health Program (E70)
- Text-to-Donate : 53-555 (Keyword: HAEFA)
- Online Donations by PayPal, Credit or Debit card : www.haefa.org (Click the DONATE link)
- You can also mail check addressed to “HAEFA” : 311 Bedford St, Lexington, MA 02420, USA
HAEFA Newsletter Editorial Board
Nairita Ahsan Faruqui
Editor
Editor
Raihana Mehreen
Associate Editor
Dr. Kaniz Ferdouse Mou
Associate Editor
Contributors for the April Newsletter:
Sajia Haque
Copyright © 2023 Health and Education for All (HAEFA), All rights reserved.