Bangladesh
Our Work in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, Effect Hope works with partners in regions where neglected tropical diseases like leprosy continue to prevent people and communities from thriving. These areas experience a high rate of poverty, contaminated water and limited access to suitable toilets.
In these areas, access to appropriate health care is often limited, leading to delays in diagnosis and an increased risk of disabilities resulting from untreated infections. These health challenges compound the difficulties of poverty, making it even harder for individuals to overcome the barriers they face.
In northwestern Bangladesh, individuals with disabilities caused by neglected tropical diseases such as leprosy and lymphatic filariasis receive support through micro-grants and skills training. These initiatives empower affected individuals and their families to start small businesses, increase their income, and improve their overall quality of life.
Research is an important step towards ending diseases like leprosy. We are working to strengthen operational research capacity in Bangladesh through the development of the Active Case Search Guideline with the National Leprosy Program of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh at a Glance
- Pre-pandemic, 20.5% of Bangladesh’s population lived below the poverty line.
- Now, an estimated 30% of people live below the poverty line.
- Out-of-pocket health expenditures are pushing more people into poverty.
- 10% of the population lives with a disability.
- More than 2 million people in Bangladesh lack access to a clean water source.
Bangladesh at a Glance
- Pre-pandemic, 20.5% of Bangladesh’s population lived below the poverty line.
- Now, an estimated 30% of people live below the poverty line.
- Out-of-pocket health expenditures are pushing more people into poverty.
- 10% of the population lives with a disability.
- More than 2 million people in Bangladesh lack access to a clean water source.
Programs in Bangladesh
LEAD – Leprosy Early Detection, Advocacy and Disability Prevention
Together with partners, we’re helping strengthen early leprosy detection, disability prevention, and government-led care in Dhaka and five neighbouring districts of Bangladesh. LEAD builds on progress made through the Proyash project by supporting active case finding, household contact screening, access to protective footwear and assistive devices, and better coordination of leprosy services within the public health system.
By supporting this project, you help people affected by leprosy receive care earlier, reduce the risk of preventable disability, and sustain progress toward stronger, more accessible leprosy services in Bangladesh.
Proyash – Accelerating Leprosy Services
Together with partners, we’re working to strengthen the public health system to provide better care and services for people affected by leprosy. We support the Government of Bangladesh’s vision of a “Leprosy-Free Bangladesh: a Bangladesh with zero transmission, zero disability and zero social consequences due to leprosy.” The project supports the public health system in improving leprosy health outcomes by catching and treating cases early, which in turn will mean that fewer children and adults will face a significant disability because of the disease. This project also works to improve health by increasing access and availability of leprosy services in the area and reducing the stigma surrounding leprosy.
SCORE
When you support Effect Hope, you are supporting important research that improves the lives of people affected by leprosy in Bangladesh.
Research from this program has significantly advanced scientific understanding of leprosy. Several findings have been adopted by the World Health Organization and other institutions to improve strategies for reducing transmission and managing cases more effectively. Initiatives like this play a crucial role in the ongoing effort to one day eliminate leprosy entirely.
Northwest Bangladesh Ultra Poverty Initiative Project (NUPIP)
This project supports people and families affected by leprosy and lymphatic filariasis in northwestern Bangladesh who are living in ultra poverty – earning less than $2.60 CAD per month. Leprosy and lymphatic filariasis are endemic in this area, where rates of poverty are also high. By supporting, you ensure that affected people will move out of ultra poverty and have a dignified and sustainable income. We offer skills training and financial support to launch a small business, or to learn a new trade. This project ensures that people affected by leprosy or lymphatic filariasis are able to manage their disabilities, support their children’s education, afford daily expenses, and access local resources and support.
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