Community-Led Health in Bangladesh

Results achieved as of the end of the project (August 2015) include: (1) three satellite health clinics were built and are providing health services to 13 210 women men and children; (2) about 15 285 patients mostly women and children have received quality care from the three rural health clinics and community-based health workers; (3) 598 live births were assisted by skilled health personnel; (4) 911 women have received antenatal care by skilled health personnel; (5) 6 667 women and girls (100% of those living in the target areas) are now able to access health care when travel is involved; (6) 82% of beneficiaries now feel that the local health system and health service providers are more accountable; (7) 60% of the citizens who are engaging with their local government representatives to discuss community health issues are women; (8) 2 056 of women living in target areas report feeling more empowered to make financial decisions about their own health care needs; (9) 28 adolescent girls and boys groups are now working to empower youth and have held a total of 868 health education sessions on issues such as health nutrition hygiene early marriage family planning and pregnancy; (10) 3 145 of eligible couples between the ages of 15 and 49 are using contraception; (11) 1 864 targeted households are now aware of the benefits of natal antenatal and postnatal care; and (12) 3 004 women (85% of those living in the target areas) have received health services in their community from a trained community-based health care worker or certified birthing attendant. These results have contributed to improving the health of people especially women and children living in the under-served rural villages of Golachipa Charmontaj and Rangabali in southern Bangladesh and strengthening the local health care system by facilitating collaboration and coordination between the local government and targeted communities.