The World Health Organization (WHO), in partnership with the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) and various United Nations agencies, conducted a workshop in Cox’s Bazar on June 22, 2024, to celebrate the successful completion of the Health and Gender Support Project (HGSP).
WHO was actively involved in the project and has been instrumental in transforming donations into actions to address gaps in health services. Key deliverables included the strengthening of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) service delivery, improved diagnostic, and treatment capacity of Tuberculosis (TB), technical and logistic support to Healthcare Waste Management (HCWM), expanding laboratory services and ensuring access to safe blood transfusions, and strengthening the established WHO Early Warning Alert and Response System (EWARS).
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Honourable Health Secretary assesses NCD services with a healthcare worker in Teknaf Upazila. Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, June 2024.
©WHO/Terence Ngwabe Che
Specialised service areas were established in all seven upazilas, equipping 193 community clinics and 22 health facilities in camps with essential NCD equipment. The project ensured a consistent supply of NCD medications until the end of 2025. Nearly 1,000 healthcare professionals were trained in screening and managing Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension, with over 544,000 people screened for these diseases. 44,842 people received antihypertensive medicines and 71,219 were provided with antidiabetic medications. By deploying two mobile TB vans with AI-powered X-ray and Gene X-pert machine, the HGSP made significant strides in combating TB, reaching underserved populations in Ramu, Pekua, Moheshkhali, and Kutubdia. More than 7000 suspected were screened for Tuberculosis. Furthermore, 39 medical professionals received training in TB epidemiology and clinical treatment.
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Hands-on training on donning and doffing HCWM protective equipment, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, February 2024.
©WHO/Terence Ngwabe Che
The project supported HCWM in seven upazilas and 22 health facilities, training 771 healthcare workers in best practices and providing necessary logistics and equipment. Fully equipped blood banks were established across all seven upazilas, with 286 healthcare workers trained in safe blood transfusion protocols. The project also enlisted 857 voluntary blood donors, underscoring the project’s commitment to improving healthcare quality and safety.
“The achievements of the HGSP project are a testament to our commitment to enhancing healthcare in Cox’s Bazar. The progress made underscores the impact of strategic initiatives and collective dedication in improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations,”– said Dr Aarti Singh, Public Health Officer and WHO Focal Person for the HGSP Project.
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Health and Gender Support Project Blood Transfusion Report Chart, September 2022 to May 2024.
Source: Civil Surgeon Office CXB
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Dr Aarti Singh, WHO focal person for the HGSP project CXB, presents achievements during the closure workshop. Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, June 2024.
©WHO/Terence Ngwabe Che
Substantial upgrades were made to the EWARS infrastructure and technical support with the Health Emergency Operation Centre at the Civil Surgeon Office playing a pivotal role. EWARS now covers 258 health facilities, reaching approximately 2.8 million people with over 2,500 healthcare workers trained. As the HGSP project concludes, its legacy will continue through improved health facilities, empowered healthcare workers, and lives saved. Dr Bardan Jung Rana, WHO Representative to Bangladesh, praised the project’s enduring transformation and its role in promoting health equity and community resilience. “The HGSP’s legacy in Cox’s Bazar epitomises the triumph of hope and unity. It’s a beacon for healthcare innovation, embodying our dedication to health equity. This enduring transformation, fuelled by community resilience, paves the way for sustained progress and equitable healthcare access,” he said.
For more about this publication please contact Terence Ngwabe Che External Communications Office, Cox’s bazar Sub Office, WHO Bangladesh at chet@who.int