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HAEFA Newsletter – May 2022

Posted on by Md. Saiful Alam

Eid Mubarak From HAEFA!

HAEFA warmly wishes you all a blessed and happy Eid this year. May this auspicious occasion bring happiness, joy, peace, and prosperity to you and your family.

Meet Billal Hossain, Project Assistant for HAEFA’s Cervical Cancer Screening Program

This month we are featuring Mr. Billal Hossain! Mr. Hossain joined the HAEFA team in 2017 as an Information Technology (IT) Assistant with the Cox’s Bazar Rohingya (FDMN) project of HAEFA, helping to launch HAEFA’s electronic medical record (EMR) system known as ‘’NIROG’’. In 2018, he began working on a new HAEFA healthcare project in Dhaka, providing free medical services to ready-made garment (RMG) factory workers. Following this, in 2021, Mr. Hossain was promoted to Project Assistant for the UNFPA cervical cancer “See and Treat” screening and treatment project, providing moral support and also financial assistance to cervical cancer patients on behalf of HAEFA, as they underwent treatments.

Mr. Hossain has humbly dedicated his life to doing good for the underprivileged class of the population. We thank him for his incredible work and service.

Read The Full Feature!

Thank You For Helping HAEFA Deliver Emergency Food Packages to 750 Families This Ramadan!

With the help of our generous donors, HAEFA was able to provide two-week emergency food supplies to 750 underserved families in 5 districts of Bangladesh during this Ramadan. Due to COVID-19 lockdowns and joblessness, 24.5 million people and almost 500,000 families went below the poverty line in Bangladesh in 2021. 

Translation:

“On May 1, 2022, with the help of the web magazine “Amader Sujanagar”, HAEFA sponsored food distribution among 50 underprivileged families of the Sujanagar Upazila (including Shagorkandi, Hatkhali, and Najirganj Unions) of Pabna district in Bangladesh. For each family, 10 kgs rice, 2 kgs potatoes, 1 kg lentils, 1 L cooking oil, sugar, salt, vermicelli, and soap was provided. During the food distribution program, the Editor and Publisher of the web magazine “Amader Sujanagar”, the president of the renaissance reading fair (Nabajagaran Pathak mela), and others were present.”

HAEFA See-and-Treat Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment Update

In April 2022, HAEFA provided over 1290 women with cervical cancer screenings conducted in 9 Upazila Health Complexes (UHCs) in Kurigram District.  Around 10 patients were found VIA positive through the initial screening test and referred for further investigation and treatment. In Cox’s Bazar District, over 615 women were screened in 07 VIA centers (Sadar Hospital, MCWC, Ramu UHC, Moheshkhali UHC, Chakaria UHC, Pekua UHC, Kutubdia UHC). 5 cases were found positive through the initial VIA screening test and referred for further investigation and treatment. The HAEFA team organized VIA camps in hard-to-reach UHCs before Ramadan. No VIA camps took place during Ramadan.

Image: Digital-Colposcope for “See-and-Treat” Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment

HAEFA’s Contribution to Ensure the Well-Being of the Rohingya FDMN/Refugees 

HAEFA healthcare professionals have been providing free medical care and medicines to the Rohingya FDMN since its establishment. In the month of April 2022, more than 4,100 refugees received free medical care from HAEFA in three camps. 

Kutupalong (Camp 1W):

  • More than 2350 patients visited Camp 1W in Kutupalong and received healthcare services.
  • 129 laboratory tests were conducted at the NCD Path Lab

Balukhali (Camp 09):

  • More than 1370 patients visited Camp 1W in Kutupalong and received healthcare services.
  • 116 laboratory tests were were conducted at the NCD Path Lab

FDMN Rohingya Camp at Bhashan Char:

  • More than 1380 patients visited the HAEFA Medical Check-Up and Treatment for FDMN Rohingya Camp at Bhashan Char and received healthcare services

HAEFA medical doctors in Cox’s Bazar attended a training session on scabies control strategies and treatment that was organized by the World Health Organization. According to the WHO, the most vulnerable groups – young children and the elderly in resource-poor communities – are especially susceptible to scabies, which was designated as a Neglected Tropical Disease in 2017. 

NCD Pathological Laboratory in Rohingya FDMN Camp, Balukhali, Cox’s Bazar

Donate to HAEFA’s 2022 Fundraiser!

Dear valued donors and advocates, we have launched a 2022 fundraising initiative with ambitions to raise $50,000 by July 9th to commemorate Eid-Al-Adha! HAEFA’s purpose of this fundraising  is to provide essential healthcare services and health education to garment workers, Rohingya refugees, and other underserved populations in hard-to-reach areas of Bangladesh including remote chars

Learn More About HAEFA

HAEFA is constantly in need of public donations to support the Rohingya refugee crisis and COVID-19 relief efforts. Any support, whether donations, outreach, aid in collaboration from personal and professional involvement, or any other method of backing for this fundraiser, would be greatly appreciated! All donations are tax-deductible in the United States.

  • 𝑯𝑨𝑬𝑭𝑨’𝒔 𝑻𝒂𝒙 𝑰𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑵𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 (𝑬𝑰𝑵) : 46-2997707
  • 𝑵𝑻𝑬𝑬: Public Health Program (E70)
  • Text-to-Donate: 53-555 (Keyword: HAEFA)
Donate Today!

HAEFA Newsletter – April 2022

Posted on by Md. Saiful Alam

Summary of Services Provided by HAEFA

  • 47,647 women screened for cervical cancer in Kurigram from Nov. 2019 – April 16, 2022
  • 21,256 women screened for cervical cancer in Cox’s Bazar from July 2021 – April 17, 2022
  • 210,211 Rohingya refugees/FDMN and host community people received free medical care in Cox’s Bazar from January 2017 to April 18, 2022
  • 24,823 Rohingya refugees/FDMN and host community people received free medical care in Bhashan Char, Noakhali since 2020

Meet Md. Saim Khan, HAEFA's Cervical Cancer Screening Project Coordinator

Mr. Khan has worked with HAEFA from the very beginning, helping launch all of HAEFA’s projects. He has helped underserved populations access health care with kindness and empathy. His accomplishments are varied, including coordinating a project to screen garment factory workers for non-communicable diseases in the workplace, helping set up the Electronic Medical Record system in the Rohingya camps with solar power, and helping grow the largest cervical cancer screening center in Bangladesh. Under his leadership, about 4,500 screening tests for 

cervical cancer are conducted every month. Mr. Khan says he has learned from the best at HAEFA, focusing on patient care centered around cordiality, affection, and kindness.

Read The Full Feature!

Mental Health and Resilience TOT Success!

To date, HAEFA and partners have trained 434 health care providers, public health and humanitarian workers, and other professionals as trainers for the HERO-Bangladesh Mental Health and Resilience curriculum in collaboration with project HOPE.

Through the ToT model, over 5,295 individuals have received cascading training. Thank you to the many partners (NIMH, BSMMU, DGHS, DMCH) who made this program a success.

Help HAEFA Deliver Emergency Food Packages to
1,000 Families This Ramadan

Join us in providing a two-week food supply to 1,000 extremely low-income and underprivileged families in Bangladesh during this Ramadan. Due to COVID-19 lockdowns and joblessness, 24.5 million people and almost 500,000 families went below the poverty line in Bangladesh in 2021. 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 and will provide 15-day food supply for each family. If your friends, colleagues, and families would like to DONATE or send ZAKAT, please encourage them to  donate to HAEFA.

Donate Today!
If you are in Bangladesh, you may bKash your Zakat or donations to HAEFA's bKash account: 01770-433662 (press ‘Make Payment’ on your bKash account).

HAEFA Included in the UNHCR 2022 Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis Joint Response Plan (JRP)

In the fifth year of the Rohingya refugee response in Bangladesh, UNHCR and partners are emphasizing the need to ensure that the Rohingya situation does not become a forgotten crisis. Continued funding and support are critical to meet the needs of refugees and surrounding host communities. The 2022 Joint Response Plan (JRP) for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis includes 136 partners working to support approximately 1.4 million people, including over 918,000 Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char, and around 540,000 Bangladeshis in neighbouring communities. Given their geography, the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar are especially vulnerable to natural disasters. This year’s JRP accordingly highlights the need for enhanced efforts towards disaster risk management and climate change mitigation, including through reforestation and energy interventions.

Read More!

HAEFA Partners with Handicapped International

On March 30, 2022, HAEFA FDMN medical team members in the Rohingya camps participated in a training session on the early detection and prevention of disability and its complications. The training was organized by the non-profit aid organization Handicapped International (HI).

Fire Safety and Basic Burn Care Training at HAEFA Clinics in FDMN Camps

On March 28, 2022, Md Jahidul Islam, Camp Coordinator of HAEFA’s FDMN Cox’s Bazar, attended a training session on Fire Safety and Basic Burn Care organized by the World Health Organization & Fire Service and Civil Defense CXB. He then shared and demonstrated the training aspects with the HAEFA staff of camps 1w & 09 on April 10, 2022, focusing on detailed instructions for the proper use of fire extinguishers, the type of fire extinguishers and scenarios leading to fire incidences.

HAEFA See-and-Treat Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment Update

In March 2022, HAEFA provided over 4295 women with cervical cancer screenings conducted in 07 VIA centers (Sadar Hospital, MCWC, Ramu UHC, Moheshkhali UHC, Chakaria UHC, Pekua UHC, Kutubdia UHC) and 11 VIA camps in the respective Upazilas of Cox’s Bazar, including two hard-to-reach areas Kutubdia and Moheshkhali. Over 25 patients were found positive through the initial screening test and referred for further investigation and treatment. The team followed up with 15 patients for a second screening test and colposcopy in Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital.

HAEFA provides training and VIA camps in hard-to-reach UHCs. Here are some photos of our recent outreach: 

HAEFA Organizes National Colposcopy Training at BSMMU in Dhaka

A 9-day national colposcopy training was held at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) for HAEFA’s medical team members and government senior staff nurses and midwives. The training was organized by UNFPA and financially supported by HAEFA’s Cervical Cancer Project. The goal was to train the service providers with mobile digital colposcope and hand-held portable thermocoagulator for diagnosis and treatment, respectively.  The sessions included the principles of colposcopy, anatomy of the cervix, colposcopic appearance of CIN, management of CIN by cryotherapy & thermocoagulation, management of CIN by LEEP, and Bangladesh’s national strategy for cervical cancer prevention and control. A special thanks to Professor Ashrafunnessa with the BSMMU Cervical and Breast Cancer Screening Programme and all of the training facilitators for their time and expertise. 

HAEFA Newsletter – March 2022

Posted on by Md. Saiful Alam

HAEFA Celebrates International Women's Day

HAEFA recognizes and appreciates the women who have been spearheading its humanitarian mission.

Congratulations, Poet Kamal Chowdhury

Greetings and congratulations to one of HAEFA’s most ardent supporters and well-wishers, Poet Kamal Chowdhury, who recently received the national “Ekushey Padak” for his outstanding contributions to literature. Dr. Chowdhury is currently the Chief Coordinator of the National Implementation Committee for the Celebration of Mujib Borsho as well as the former Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

We thank the United States for recognizing the Myanmar persecution of the Rohingya as GENOCIDE

Read The Full Story!

New Fire Prevention Measures Installed at Health Clinics in Kutupalong and Balukhali

Rohingya refugees living in Cox’s Bazar camps recently experienced six fire incidents, which swept through the vulnerable community leaving thousands of people homeless.  As a member and health care provider to this community, HAEFA responded by taking measures to prevent further fires and minimize the detrimental effects of this humanitarian crisis. Fire extinguishers and buckets of sand have been installed and placed respectively at all HAEFA FDMNs.

HAEFA Increases Accessibility Through New Access Ramps

HAEFA has been providing non-discriminatory primary health care services to refugees and host community since the establishment of refugee camps at Cox’s Bazar. In an effort to improve accessibility for patients experiencing physical disabilities and with limited mobility, HAEFA installed a new handicap-accessible ramp at the FDMN clinic.

HAEFA’s Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment Program

Kurigram District:

  • More than 2900 women were screened for cervical cancer in the Upazila Health Complex (UHCs) + Camps.
  • Among them, more than 30 cases were found positive in the Upazila Health Complex (UHCs) + Camps. The colposcopy camps were conducted by the HAEFA Project Medical Officer and Clinical Manager in the presence of Govt. Senior Staff Nurses (SSN) and Midwife (MW) of District Hospital.
  • Additionally, more than 5 patients were followed-up with a second VIA screening test and colposcopy.
  • More than 5 were identified as suspected cancer patients and referred to Rangpur Medical College and the National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital (NICRH), Mohakhali, Dhaka for further treatment.

Cox’s Bazar District:

  • More than 2900 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 for cervical cancer among them, through the initial VIA screening test and referred for further investigation.
  • Moreover, more than 15 patients were followed-up with a second VIA screening test and colposcopy in Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital. For treatment, more than 1 thermocoagulation was performed.
  • More than 5 were also identified as suspected cancer patients and referred to Chattogram Medical College and the National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital (NICRH), Mohakhali, Dhaka for further treatment.

Rohingya FDMN/Refugees Camp Updates

In the month of February 2022, more than 6,740 refugees have received free medical care and medicine from HAEFA.
A February 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 1,890 in the Balukhali camp.
  • Kutupalong (Camp 1w): HAEFA team provided health care services to more than 3,160 patients in the Kutupalong camp.
  • Bhashan Char (FDMN): HAEFA team provided health care services to more than 1,690 patients in the Bhashan Char FDMN camp.

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

Donate Today!

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

Posted on 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.

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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

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HAEFA Newsletter – February 2022

Posted on 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!

Donate Now

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

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 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.
Donate Today

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. 
Register here

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. 
Register here

HAEFA Newsletter – December 2021

Posted on by Chonchol Mahmud

HAEFA Implementation of Project HOPE Mental Health and Resiliency Training:

  • HAEFA and Project HOPE collaborated on Mental Health and Resilience during COVID-19 Training of the Trainer Program. This program, developed by the New York City Department of Health to help health care personnel fight COVID-19, is currently being used in over 20 nations.
  • The inauguration took place on November 24th and 25th, 2021. Dr. Ruhul Abid, the president of HAEFA, hosted the event.
  • Eminent personalities from the health, education, public, and psychiatric sectors, including the respected Minister of DHSE, were present at the inauguration ceremony.
  • The Master Mental Health Trainers introduced two modules as well as interactive sessions.
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Advanced COVID-19 Clinical Management Certification Course:

  • This online course has been developed by HAEFA in collaboration with 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 is to help physicians in Bangladesh acquire the most current, evidence-based COVID-19 management clinical knowledge and skills in an easily digestible and interactive manner. 
More Info on the Course

Cervical Cancer (VIA) Screening:

  • It was a great moment for the Kurigram Cervical cancer screening Team as the president of HAEFA, Dr. Ruhul Abid, and the Brown University Susan Cu-vin MD faculty visited the Kurigram project and provided health service facilities to the VIA positive patients who came from hard-to-reach areas.
  • In November, around 4500 women were screened for cervical cancer in 9 UHCs and 14 camps.

Kurigram:

  • Kurigram Cervical cancer screening project started functioning “see and treat” procedure. 
  • In Kurigram district hospital, Dr. Abid and Dr. Cu-vin inaugurated the newly dedicated VIA  room.
  • HAEFA Teams of Roumari and Rajibpur Upazilas started their boat journey carrying the VIA positive patients towards the Kurigram District Hospital to attend the Colposcopy camp.
  • Refresher Training on Operating Thermocoagulation was conducted in the presence of Civil Surgeon Susan Cu-Uvin, MD, Dr. Ruhul Abid MD at Civil Surgeon Office, Kurigram.

Cox’s Bazar:

  • In November, more than 1600 women were screened in 7 VIA centres in Cox’s Bazar. Around 35 cases were positive.
  • The CC CXB team referred VIA-positive patients to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital for further investigation. 
  • The CC CXB team will bring the positive patients to Colposcopy camps in Sadar Hospital and Pekua UHC for further analysis in December.
  • The HAEFA Cox’s Bazar team organized Sixteen VIA camps during this reporting time in six respective upazilas. Around 2000 women were screened. More than 25 cases were positive. 
  • Dr. Abid and Dr. Cu-vin visited Cox’s Bazar Cervical Cancer Screening project and attended the Refresher Training on Operating MobileODT and Thermocoagulation Machine for See and Treat of Cervical Cancer in Cox’s Bazar.

Rohingya Refugees' 7th Phase of Relocation:

  • Rohingya Refugees continue to relocate in the Bhasan Char, a tiny island in the Bay of Bengal from the world’s largest refugee settlement in Cox’s Bazar.

Family Planning Program:

  • The HAEFA team continues to conduct a monthly Family Planning session at kutupalong camp  1w. 
  • The team has counseled the importance of Family Planning among the Headmajhi,  Submajhi, Imam, and a few rohingya volunteers. They listened to the health problems faced by the attendees and ensured them to provide Family Planning services.

Daily Synopsis Report of November 2021:

HAEFA healthcare professionals have been giving medical care to the Rohingya Refugees since its establishment. A summary of the medical conditions of the patients treated by the three camps of HAEFA is provided below. 

  • Kutupalong (Camp 1w): 
    • More Than 3100 patients visited the Camp 1w, and had taken the Healthcare services.
    • The prevalent cases were Fever, Cough, DM, HTN, Asthma, COVID-19, and Dermatitis. 
  • Balukhali (Camp 09):
    • Around 2000 patients visited Camp 9, and had taken the Healthcare services.
    • The prevalent cases were Fever, Cough, DM, HTN, Asthma, COVID-19, and Dermatitis. 

Some Memorable Moments From The President's Visit:

  • The president of HAEFA had attended multiple health awareness sessions during his stay in Bangladesh. 
  • The President of HAEFA appeared on a TV program on a national broadcasting network to discuss the significance of HAEFA’s healthcare services ranging from NCDs to cancer screening, treatment for the underprivileged people, and portable, solar-powered Electronic Medical Record (NIROG).
  • The most joyous moment for Dr. Abid was to witness and participate in the celebration of 50 years of independence of Bangladesh.

Cervical cancer and the history making of Kurigram

Posted on by Chonchol Mahmud
Today is our 4th day of the Single-visit “See-and-Treat” Cervical cancer screening and treatment program in Kurigram. Yesterday, December 3rd 2021, Kurigram made a history in the treatment of cervical cancer in Bangladesh !
 
Women aged 30-60 years of age who will be diagnosed with pre-cancerous lesion (<carcinoma-in-situ 2) in the uterine cervix will no longer need to leave their families/job to travel 50 to 70 KM or cross Dhorola or Dudhkumar rivers to go to Rangpur medical college !
 
All women from 9 upazilas (subdistricts) of Kurigram will get their treatment the same day by a MobileODT (optical detection technology) and a hand-held battery-operated Thermocoagulator for Cervical cancer. This procedure will make them disease-free at least for 5 years.
 
Congratulations to all the team members from DGHS-UNFPA-FCDO-Brown and HAEFA !
Excellent team work ! Thank you all. This is truly great – you now have successfully established the Single-visit, ‘See-and-Treat’ Cervical Cancer screening and treatment model in Kurigram ! The first district to do it ever in Bangladesh! My heartiest Congratulations to all involved !!

HAEFA Newsletter – November 2021

Posted on by Chonchol Mahmud

HAEFA COVID-19 Response: 

 Presumptive COVID-19 Cases:

  • The number of COVID cases are rising all over Bangladesh including in the Rohingya camps.
  • HAEFA is providing free medical services in the Rohingya refugee camps.

 Cox’s Bazar District:

  • More than  55 COVID-19 confirmed cases were reported in the district during the month of October. Currently, more than 350 contacts are in home quarantine.

 FDMN/ Rohingya Refugees:

  • In the month of October, more than 55 COVID-19 cases were reported. Presently, more than 70 contacts are in-home.
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HAEFA Implementation of Project HOPE Mental Health and Resiliency Training:

  • HAEFA, in collaboration with Project Hope and partners at the National Institute of Mental Health, Sher-E-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, is implementing “HERO-BANGLADESH,” an online Mental Health and Resiliency Training of the Trainers for frontline healthcare workers including physicians, nurses, paramedics of Bangladesh.
  • Master Trainers will conduct two monthly training sessions beginning on the 15th of November 2021 through February 2022.
  • Participants of the training will be conducting cascading trainings to share mental health resources with their networks. HERO-BANGLADESH is aiming to train 3,000 healthcare workers by April 2022.
  • If you are interested in joining the training, please include your information in this registration form. If you have any questions about this training, please email mental_health@haefa.org.
Registration Form

Advanced COVID-19 Clinical Management Certification Course:

  • In collaboration with Brown University CHRHS, Project HOPE, DGHS Bangladesh, Bangladesh National COVID-19 Guideline Committee, SCIB, and USAID, HAEFA has developed and launched a new, web-based, interactive Advanced COVID-19 Clinical Management Certification Course on the DGHS website.
  • Cumulative number of Doctors registered for the online training course as of 7th November:

Completed Certification MCQ Test: 836

Passed and Achieved Certificate: 426

  • The project is successfully completed, and the promotional film for the course is in the review process. The course will also be visible on a2i, Muktopath platform.
More Info on the Course

Web-based Advanced Clinical Management Course:

  • The tri-party discussion meeting was held between MaMoni-MNCSP COVID-19 Response Team, HAEFA, and a2i (Aspire to Innovate).
  • The objective of the meeting was to reach an agreement regarding the launching of a web-based Clinical Management course at the Muktopath platform.
  • HAEFA will promote and reach the maximum target audience through a2i’s e-Learning platform ‘MuktoPaath’; provide the necessary guidance, support, and coordination for successful implementation of this course.

The HAEFA Community Clinic Visit by UNHCR:

  • UNHCR representatives Dr. Allen Maina & Dr. Taimur visited the HAEFA community clinic in October.

Family planning support and information:

  • The HAEFA team continues to promote Family planning counseling in Rohingya Camps as part of Family planning support and information.

Pathology Laboratory Information:

  • The lab started functioning on 11 October 2021.
  • The lab services include ASO (Anti-streptolysin O), Bilirubin test, Lipid profile, LFT (SGPT, SGOT), Pregnancy test, (RBS), HbA1c, Widal test – TO, TH, AH, BH, Serum albumin/creatinine/electrolyte/urea test, urine creatinine test
  • Samples from the Kutupalong camp were also transported to Balukhali as part of comprehensive health care services provided by HAEFA.
  • HAEFA is setting up a new transformer on a new electric poll for the Pathological Lab in Balukhali

Daily Synopsis Report of October 2021:

HAEFA healthcare professionals have been giving medical care to the Rohingya Refugees since its establishment. A summary of the medical conditions of the patients treated by the three camps of HAEFA is provided below. 

  • Kutupalong (Camp 1w): HAEFA team provided health care services to more than 2450 patients in the Kutupalong camp.
  • Balukhali (Camp 9): HAEFA team provided health care services to more than  1715 in the Balukhali camp. 
  • Bhashan Char FDMN: HAEFA team provided health care services to more than 1840 patients in the Bhashan Char FDMN camp.

The most prevalent cases were fever, cough, anemia, HTN, DM, skin diseases, presumptive TB, and other diseases among these camps. Prenatal care services were also provided.

Cervical Cancer (VIA) Screening:

  • In October, more than 2200 women were screened in 7 VIA centers in Cox’s Bazar. Around 4% of cases were positive. 
  • Out of VIA-positive patients in Cox’s Bazar, the CC CXB team referred one VIA-positive patient (suspected of >CIN2) to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital for further investigation.
  • VIA Camps: The HAEFA Cox’s Bazar team organized VIA camps for the first time during this reporting time. The team organized four VIA camps in Ramu, Cox’s Bazar Sadar, Chakaria and Pekua Upazila. Around 450 women were screened.

Kurigram:

  • More than two thousand and six hundred patients were screened for Cervical Cancer in the UHCs of Kurigram, and nearly around 20 cases were positive for CC screening in the month of October.
  • The HAEFA team at Kurigram is working to ensure referrals for more than 120 positive patients to receive tertiary care in Rangpur.
  • On 10/25/21 the UHFPO of Rajarhat health complex, Kurigram visited the HAEFA VIA camp and was pleased to see such an organized and successful camp to ensure preventive health care
  • 1 patient’s second cycle of chemotherapy began in September 2021 and was completed on 30th October, 2021.
  • Refresher training for the community facilitator by HAEFA Doctor was done on 31st October, 2021.

HAEFA Newsletter – October 2021

Posted on by Chonchol Mahmud

Cervical Cancer Screening


Kurigram: 
  • In 9 UHCs of Kurigram, a total number of 5500+ patients were screened. VIA-positive patients were treated.
  • The HAEFA team was proud to see their work in action when chemotherapy was started on the first patient with advanced lesion in Dhaka this month.

Cox’s Bazar:

  • In 5 VIA centers of Cox’s Bazar, a total number of 1700+ patients were screened.
  • Among the VIA-positive patients, 11 patients were referred  to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital for further investigation and treatment.
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Online Training on VIA Counseling

  • The HAEFA Cox’s Bazar team organized an online training on VIA Counseling for their newly joined eighteen Community Health Facilitators (CHF) on 28 September, 2021. 
  • The CHFs were trained with background knowledge of the local community, cervical cancer etiology and benefit of early diagnosis for better VIA Counseling and Community Mobilization.
  • The training was attended by the Project Coordinator and other team members of the HAEFA project team in CXB.

Mental Health & Resiliency Support for the Healthcare Workers of Bangladesh

 
  • HAEFA has been planning to provide mental health support to the frontline healthworkers including physicians, nurses and midwives of Bangladesh in collaboration with the Project HOPE and HERO-NY from October 2021 through April 2022. 
  •  This Training of the Trainers (ToT) Mental Health and Resiliency Training will have three modules that have been contextualized to the perspetive of Bangladesh under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Mekhala Sarker and mental health postgraduate trainees.
  • Master trainers will conduct two to four monthly training sessions beginning in October 2021 through March 2022 to train and help cascading secondary training to 3,000 healthcare workers by April 2022.
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Joint Response Plan, Cox’s Bazar: Protection Mainstreaming Training

  • In line with the 2021 JRP and the objective of ensuring age, gender and diversity approaches, WHO/Health Sector and Protection Working group jointly took the initiative and conducted Protection Mainstreaming training targeting HS partners for ensuring integration of protection principles and standards within the scope of sectoral response plans.
  • The management team of HAEFA and Operations Department took the training and attended the two-day summit which started from 26th September, 2021 at Hotel Seagull, Cox’s Bazar along with more than twenty national as well as international NGO’s Program Manager, Technical Manager, Project Coordinator, Project Heads and Program Heads.

Supporting 20-Bed Hospital in Bashan Char

  • Since Noivember 2020, HAEFA has continued to provide medical treatment, including free medicine to the FDMN patients from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm at the HAEFA Medical Center located at shelter 66 in Bhasan Char. In September 2021, HAEFA provided medical treatment and free medication to 1596 FDMN patients.
  • In addition to that, from March 19, 2021, HAEFA has started providing medical support via its physicians, paramedics and pharmacists in the Only 20-bed hospital in Bhashan Char
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RMG Inclusive Business Program in Sept. 2021

  • HAEFA team attended the Sharing and Learning session of Ready Made Garments (RMG) Inclusive Business Program, hosted by SNV Netherlands Development Organization on September 28th, at Le Meridian Hotel.

Online “Advanced COVID-19 Clinical Management Certification Course”:

  • This 3-hour online interactive clinical course is becoming popular among the physicians of Bangaldesh who serve at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Since June 2021, 1,995 physicians have registered for the online course 821 physicians completed the MCQ test, and 416 doctors passed and achieved the certificate (jointly issued by the DGHS, Brown University’s CHRHS, Project HOPE, HAEFA, USAID and SCiB) as of September 29, 2021.
  • Two promotional videos, one around 2-min and the other around 5-min in length, are being prepared for publicity of the course.
  • Another version of the improved and revised web design (UI/UX) of this online course will be completed in October 2021.
Learn more about the Course

New HAEFA Diagnostic Path Lab in Balukhali

  • 7-day Onsite training of HAEFA’s two Clinical Laboratory Technologists was completed by the Technical Assistance and Support of LABAID Diagnostics (Main Branch) Laboratory in Dhaka this month.
  • This Diganostic LAB, with a major focus on Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) patietns, will serve the FDMN (Rohingya)  and nearby host communities in Ukhiya.
  • This LAB will perform Lipid profile including cholesterol and triglycerides, HbA1c, Liver function tests including Bilirubin and Alk. Phosphatase, and Renal function tests including Creatinine, Serum Electrolytes, Serum Albumin (for SAM and MAM), Hb% for preganant women, Pregnancy tests, etc .
  • The pathological lab will start functioning and serving the FDMN and host communities in October 2021.

COVID-19 Vaccinations

  • Number of COVID tested in the Rohingya camp: 64018
  • Number of positive cases: 3095
  • The 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccine was provided in Teknaf and Ukhia UHCs from September 18- 23, 2021. 
  • Among 36,943 people of 50+ years of age, 90% coverage was achieved with the 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccination of 33,386 people.

Rohingya FDMN Camp Updates, Sept. 2021:

HAEFA healthcare professionals have been giving medical care to the Rohingya Refugees since its establishment in 2017. In September, a total of 6,430 refugees received 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): 
    • Total patients seen: 3219
    • Among them are DM, HTN, Asthma, COPD, Anemia, Presumptive COVID-19, Musculoskeletal Disease, Dermatitis & scabies, Diarrhoea, Malnutrition, Fever, Cough, Dyspepsia, and Helminthiasis were the most prevalent cases.
  • Balukhali (Camp 09):
    • Total patients seen:1615
    • Among them  DM, HTN, Asthma, COPD,  Malnutrition, Anemia, Presumptive COVID-19, Musculoskeletal Disease, Dermatitis & scabies, Diarrhoea, Dyspepsia, Helminthiasis were the most prevalent cases.
    Bhashan Char FDMN:
    • Total patients seen: 1596
    • Among them, DM, HTN, Asthma, Pregnancy,  Presumptive TB, Skin Disease, Fever, and Cough were the most prevalent cases.

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