The non-governmental organization Family Planning Association of Bangladesh (FPAB) has provided COVID-19-related services to 3.5 million people across the country. During this time, the NGO has distributed masks, provided ambulance services, and offered primary medical treatment and advice. FPAB has also established 21 clinics as COVID-19 counseling centers in various locations in the country. This information has been obtained from a report on the organization’s operational activities.
It is reported that the general population has been made aware of COVID-19 testing and primary healthcare facilities in various regions of the country. Government officials, FPAB local members, mosque imams, journalists, and local political leaders have collaborated at the district level for this initiative.
At the national headquarters of FPAB, a meeting on COVID-19 test and treatment advocacy was held under the LMIIC Project. The meeting was attended by Abdulah Harun, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, as the chief guest, and Helal Uddin Bhuiyan, Additional Director of the Department of Social Services, as the chairperson.
One of the service recipients of FPAB is Abdul Baten, a resident of Maizdi Bazar in Noakhali Municipality. He said he participated in an awareness-building meeting on COVID-19 in a local school organized by FPAB in January last year. A few days later, he and his family fell ill, and despite taking medicine from the local pharmacy, his wife and daughter’s fever did not subside. Later, they sought advice from FPAB’s Noakhali branch and received medical care at their hospital, leading to the recovery of his family members.
Another beneficiary, Ali Munnah of Basinda in Dinajpur, mentioned that his oxygen level dropped below 90 percent at one point after contracting COVID-19. At that time, FPAB provided various forms of assistance, including admission to the hospital at M Abdur Rahim Medical College. Kazi Redwan Araf, the son of Kazi Murad from Kuthibari Kamalapur village in Faridpur, who understood the issue of COVID-19 through FPAB’s advocacy meeting, also implemented preventive measures in his village.
According to FPAB’s information, although faced with various challenges, their workers have worked courageously even during the lockdown. Due to the implementation of various programs such as clinics, modern medical equipment, other equipment, screening protocols, worker safety policies, COVID-19 infection prevention training, and protective equipment, management has become easier.
Established in 1953, FPAB began its journey as a pioneer in the family planning movement in the country. Working towards improving the quality of life for disadvantaged individuals, FPAB has expanded its scope to include sexual and reproductive health services. Despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, FPAB has been providing services related to the virus. The organization currently operates 21 full-fledged clinics, two specialized units, 72 Family Development Centers (FDCs), 21 youth clinics (Youth Bondhu Clinics), and conducts SRHR programs, benefiting 5 million people, with 53% being youth.
While COVID-19 has not been entirely eradicated, significant efforts are being made to raise awareness and take preventive measures to save lives. Individuals aged over 60, pregnant women, residents of remote areas and islands, those over 35 with diabetes, respiratory issues, kidney problems, cancer patients, and those without vaccination are still at risk of COVID-19. Therefore, awareness and caution remain crucial for surviving the pandemic.
