United News of Bangladesh

WildTeam, a conservation organisation, and Friendship, an international Social Purpose Organisation, on Tuesday launched a community healthcare initiative to bring primary health services, health awareness and referral support closer to vulnerable forest-edge communities at Joymoni and adjoining areas of Mongla upazila in Bagerhat. The initiative was inaugurated through an orientation programme and a daylong health camp at the WildTeam Conservation Biology Centre (WCBC) at Joymoni. Mongla Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sharmin Akter Sumi inaugurated the camp as the chief guest while Dr Md Hasanuzzaman Sarker, Programme Officer at Friendship, was present as guest of honour, said a press release. The programme began with registration and welcome remarks from WildTeam, followed by an overview of the WildTeam–Friendship Community Health Initiative. Dr Hasanuzzaman then conducted an orientation on community mobilisation, patient identification, primary healthcare, health awareness and referral procedures. UNO Sharmin Akter Sumi said the distance between remote communities and formal health facilities can create serious risks during emergencies. “Reaching the Upazila Health Complex can take as long as 45 minutes. Such a delay can be life-threatening for patients requiring urgent care, particularly expectant mothers and people suffering from strokes. For marginalised people who remain outside mainstream services, locally accessible healthcare through this initiative is genuinely necessary,” she said. She described the partnership as particularly important for Joymoni, where many vulnerable and forest-dependent households have limited access to regular healthcare. “I sincerely request that this support continue without interruption, even when medical teams face logistical challenges. Government institutions and non-governmental organisations are working to provide health services, but communities must also become more health-conscious and seek care on time,” the UNO said.