Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in collaboration with Institute of Pediatric Neurodisorder and Autism (IPNA) held a knowledge sharing seminar on Thursday to enhance the treatment of neurodevelopmental disabilities for children in Bangladesh.

 Young-Ah Doh, Country Director, KOICA Bangladesh Office and Prof Dr Shaheen Akhter, Director, IPNA among other doctors, therapists, psychologists, and teachers joined the seminar titled “Enhancement of Diagnosis and Treatment of Neurodevelopmental Disabilities for Children in Bangladesh” held at IPNA in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).

At present, there is a significant prevalence of childhood neurodisability in Bangladesh where approximately 12.86% of the population is children, said KOICA.

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There are more than 1.6 million people with disabilities in Bangladesh which makes 10% of the country's population.

Research shows that the number of NDDs (Neuro-Developmental Disabilities) is increasing as well as mental health issues.

The government has undertaken various initiatives for its improvement, however, challenges such as, limited support centers, inadequate space, lack of rehabilitation system, education and professionals, high dropout rate still exist.

In this light, KOICA has supported a 14-day long online fellowship program, ‘Enhancement of Diagnosis and Treatment of NDDs for Children in Bangladesh.’

Dr Shaheen Akhter, Director of IPNA conveyed her gratitude to KOICA for supporting IPNA from 2012, strengthening manpower to ensure better service in ASD and disseminating first-hand knowledge.

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KOICA’s Country Director Young-Ah Doh appreciated IPNA’s close partnership with KOICA and hoped that the support will meet its objectives of raising awareness on NDD and build its institutional capacity which requires greater recognition.