BHB Supports Bangladesh’s COVID-19 Response

Better Health in Bangladesh, in consultation with its donor Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of UKAID, continues to assist the Government of Bangladesh in combating COVID-19. BHB is raising awareness of the pandemic through print, electronic, and social media, emphasizing the important role that retail medicine dispensers play in preventing COVID-19. As part of the accreditation process, retail medicine dispensers are receiving training on COVID-19 issues, and pharmacists are sharing their thoughts on COVID-19 in an online survey that will be used to understand the important roles the retail medicine dispensers are playing in health service provision and COVID-19. BHB conducted a situation analysis of Bangladesh’s disease surveillance efforts in addition to providing critical 24/7 support to operate the DGHS Integrated Control Room, including embedding BHB staff members next to DGHS staff. The Integrated Control Room is the source of COVID-19 materials such as standard operating procedures, guidelines, and public outreach materials; additionally, BHB supported the MOHFW’s 24/7 COVID-19 call centre and procured essential supplies—for instance, personal protective equipment and laboratory kits.