PHD's Essential Healthcare for the Disadvantaged in Bangladesh (EHD) consistently responding to the Covid19 emergency in Barishal Division

The first case of Covid-19 infected person identified in Bangladesh on 8th March 2020. Immediately after that, PHD started disseminating some information related to Covid-19 in the sensitization meeting with all UP and Wards. PHD also distributed one leaflet to all the participants regarding hand washing and social etiquettes.

On 25th March 2020, PHD under the DFID funded EHD project distributed 16,000 leaflets in 4 working areas through pharmacies and health service points. In addition, PHD hanged 127 large banners and 63 festoons in the most crowded areas of those working areas. Moreover, in all UPs, PHD’s Rural Facilitators communicated with Imams, requested them to talk about Covid-19 and DOs and DONTs in this period. PHD’s Health Coordinator and Rural Facilitators also assisted the Local Government Institutes in delivering messages through loudspeakers in the areas.

PHD keep continuous contact with GoB and collect information regularly to analyze the situation. The full month of April 2020, PHD closely monitor the situation of all 4 project locations. The analysis shows that, among the areas, Barguna district has the worst scenario. Project team members met GoB to identify the requirement and listed the logistics and supplies that may be provided to GoB as well as some selected private clinics or hospitals. EHD project initiated a procurement of those logistics.

On the day 1 of May 2020, Civil Surgeon of Barguna district, formally requested PHD to extend support by providing a) some vehicle to transport samples from upazila to district and from district to the division; b) at least 12 volunteers for contact tracing and identifying probable suspect and c) at least 6 sample collectors.  

On 6th May 2020, PHD under the EHD project handed over 3 vehicles to the health department of Barguna (Civil Surgeon). CS office provides all the required protective items and IPC materials as per the WHO and GoB guidelines

And later, on 23rd May 2020, PHD provided 12 volunteers and 6 sample collectors for 6 upazilas. CS office provided orientation to them and commit to provide all required protection to all of them as per WHO/ GoB guidelines.

In addition, during the Amphun cyclone, PHD also considered the ‘Covid19’ in mind and based on the discussion with GoB and local Government, PHD from the same EHD project, provided 2,400 face mask and 7,400 oral saline to the cyclone centers in the catchment areas.

On 14th of June Kalapara Upazila, the Video Calling Booth was deployed officially at Kalapara Upazila Health Complex (UHC) through a short programme. Dr. Chinmay Hawlader, UH&FPO, Kalapara Chaired the program and S.M Rakibul Ahsan, Upazila Chairman graced the program as the Chief Guest. Along with them doctors, nurses & officials from UHC, and many other Government and Non-Government officials, EHD project staff and journalists were present in the event. On day next, on 15th of June 2020, another booth has been deployed at Charfasson Upazila Health Complex (UHC). Dr. Shovon Kumar Bashak, UH&FPO presided the initiative. Md. Ruhul Amin, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Charfasson Upazila was present there as the Chief Guest. Honourable Mayor of Charfasson Municipality, Mr. Badal Krishna Debnath was present as the Special Guest. Beside them doctors, nurses & officials from UHC, and many Government and Non-Government officials, EHD project staff and journalists were present to inauguration event.