News (828)
James P Grant School of Public Health opens new premises
13 May 2012, Dhaka. The James P Grant School of Public Health at BRAC University formally opened its new premises in icddr,b’s main campus in Mohakhali on May 8, 2012. The inauguration ceremony was held in two parts. During the first part held at Sasakawa Auditorium, BRAC’s Founder and Chairperson Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, KCMG who attended the function as chief guest said, “I am sure this collaboration will be fruitful as well as mutually beneficial for both icddr,b and SPH. From inception in 2004, SPH has come a long way. ”
The 8th batch of candidates for the flagship Masters in Public Health (MPH) programme at the James P Grant School gave a brief presentation. Since the inception of the MPH programme in 2005, the school has had 258 students from 22 countries participating in the programme.
The James P Grant Schoop of Public Health at BRAC University was established in 2004 where each of the three partner institutions, BRAC, Brac University and icddr,b, supports the school’s objectives to foster education, research and leadership.
The school’s name honours the late James P Grant, former Executive Director of UNICEF, whose relentless pursuit of a global revolution in child survival in the 1980s is a legacy we aim to promote for global health for the 21st century. In 2008, journalist Nicholas D. Kristof described Grant as, "a little-known American aid worker," who "probably saved more lives than were destroyed by Hitler, Mao, and Stalin combined" through his promotion of vaccinations and diarrhoea treatments.
The James P Grant School's impact on public health was recognised by The Bulletin of the World Health Organisation in 2007 when it was selected as one of six of the world’s most effective institutions for promoting innovative higher public health education. This achievement is undoubtedly also testimony to the high level of support provided by its institutional partners.
Special guests included BRAC University’s Honourable Vice Chancellor Professor Ainun Nishat and icddr,b’s Executive Director Dr Alejandro Cravioto.
Dr. Cravioto highlighted many additional benefits that the joint venture between icddr,b and BRAC University will deliver, such as the emergence of new research links in the field of public health. The school also utilises the vast expertise of icddr,b’s 15 faculty members, each of whom are accredited professors, associate professors and guest lecturers. Furthermore, Dr. Cravioto noted that scores of Masters of Public Health (MPH) graduates went on to join icddr,b after successfully completing the school's intensive 12-month programme.
Vice Chancellor Professor Ainun Nishat congratulated the James P Grant School of Public Health on the occasion. He went on to mention that BRAC University is having its own campuses build and looks forward to further the relationship.
Field visits arranged by icddr,b to its various field sites, in addition to research linkages between BRAC and icddr,b have enriched scientific learning on the current state of public health research and practice.
Dr. Cravioto said, “This joint venture has created a good opportunity for our researchers to share and disseminate their extensive knowledge in research and experiences in public health through their teaching at the James P Grant School of Public Health. This knowledge can be transmitted worldwide.”
During his address, Dean of the School of Public Health Dr. Timothy G. Evans said, “We’re inaugurating the new premises of the James P Grant School of Public Health. It is allowing the school to align with the vision and insights of its founders. He further elaborated that when plans were being drawn up for the school in 2003 – together with icddr,b, BRAC and BRAC University-jointly planned for the school to be based on the campus of icddr,b as part of expansion of icddr,b campout in 2004. We started with one classroom with a maximum capacity of 30 students. From today we have new premises and the capacity to accommodate over 300 students at any time.’
Dr. Sabina Faiz Rashid, MPH Coordinator gave the vote of thanks. She acknowledged the critical role of core institutional pillars (BRAC University, BRAC and icddr,b) and collaborating partners, development, faculty and students who have contributed to maintaining its excellence.
The chief guest formally inaugurated the school during a ceremony held at the school’s premises on level six of icddr,b building. The inauguration was followed by a tour of the school’s new premises. The Master of Ceremony for the programme was Anuradha Hashemi, Researcher.
Key assessment of BRAC Uganda's bed net program
BRAC Uganda community health promoter Gertrude Kahanda (right) demonstrates the use of a mosquito net to patient Farida Muzafaru
9 May 2012, Kampala - Malaria is the most deadly disease in Uganda. It is responsible for 25-30% of under five deaths in the country, resulting in 70,000-100,000 deaths annually. While children under five are most at risk, only 28% of them sleep under bed nets. Even fewer of these children are sleeping under nets that are properly treated (or retreated) with the necessary insecticides.
BRAC Uganda recently conducted a study to assess the performance of its bed net distribution program. Since February 2008, BRAC Uganda has been distributing long lasting insecticide treated bed nets through its volunteer community health promoters.
One of the key objectives of the study was to determine the possession and usage of insecticidal nets. The study found that about 40% of surveyed households in the Kampala area and 60% surveyed in Eastern districts did not even have insecticidal bed nets. Much graver was that only 14% of household members claimed to have used their bed nets the night before. This finding demonstrated insufficient distribution by NGO's and agencies working in this space. Additionally, there was clearly a lack of comprehensive understanding as to the importance of bed nets and a critical need for greater public education on the issue.
Related to this was a finding that many respondents claimed allergies and aversion to the chemicals used for treating the nets. Public education is needed to curve this belief and reinforce the importance of chemical treatment. Others were washing their nets out too frequently, depleting the active chemicals on the nets and requesting early retreatments. BRAC Uganda does not currently have a program for this, however the results of the study suggests this is necessary.
Another key issue BRAC must contend with is that other agencies are offering bed nets for free. BRAC might consider an arrangement by which it does the same, or perhaps lowers the price it is currently charging. It was shown, however, that users often did not value bed nets if given for free.
Overall, the study was a great success, bringing to light fundamental shortcomings in the program and on-ground realities that were not initially accounted for. Impacting the spread of Malaria is vital and BRAC Uganda will work on the basis of its findings to improve its efforts.
Opportunity for NGOs to apply for ECOSOC Consultative Status with the United Nations (Deadline: 1 June 2012)
11 May 2012, Dhaka. 1 June 2012 is the last day for non-governmental organizations to apply for Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) consultative status in order to have an opportunity to take part in UN deliberations.
ECOSOC consultative status is governed by ECOSOC resolution 1996/31, which outlines the eligibility requirements for consultative status, rights and obligations of NGOs in consultative status, procedures for the withdrawal or suspension of consultative status, the role and functions of the ECOSOC Committee on NGOs, and the responsibilities of the UN Secretariat in supporting the consultative relationship.
Consultative status is granted by ECOSOC upon recommendation of the ECOSOC Committee on NGOs, which is comprised of 19 Member States.
ECOSOC Needs You
While ECOSOC has the opportunity to avail itself of valuable and expert advice from NGOs, the NGOs in turn also have the opportunity of expressing their views and influencing the work of the Council. NGOs have specialized competence, hands-on experience and flexibility that is of great value to the UN. For instance, by having consultative status, an NGO could:
- Provide expert analysis on issues directly from its experience in the field;
- Serve as an early warning agent;
- Help monitor and implement international agreements;
- Help raise public awareness of relevant issues;
- Play a major role in advancing United Nations goals and objectives;
- Contribute with essential information at organization events.
Benefits
On the other hand, ECOSOC provides NGOs the opportunity to be heard by a truly global audience and contribute to its agenda. An NGO with consultative status can:
- Attend international conferences and events;
- Make written and oral statements at these events;
- Organize side events;
- Enter United Nations premises;
- Have opportunities to network and lobby.
Eligibility Requirements
International, regional, sub regional and national non-governmental, non-profit public or voluntary organizations may be granted the consultative status. NGOs affiliated to an international organization already in status may be admitted provided that they can demonstrate that their program of work is of direct relevance to the aims and purposes of the United Nations. In the case of national organizations consultation with the Member State concerned is required.
NGOs that can be granted the consultative status must:
- have been in existence (officially registered with the appropriate government authorities as an NGO/non-profit) for at least two years.;
- have an established headquarters.;
- have a democratically adopted constitution, authority to speak for its members, a representative structure, appropriate mechanisms of accountability and democratic and transparent decision-making processes;
- must have their basic resources derived in the main part from contributions of the national affiliates or other components or from individual members;
- not be established by governments or intergovernmental agreements.
The deadline is June 1, 2012. Do not miss the opportunity to apply for ECOSOC Consultative Status with the United Nations.
Please visit the following link to start the process: http://csonet.org/?menu=83
Director-General of UNESCO visits BRAC Chairperson
9 May 2012, Dhaka. “Education should be about something more than just read and write, as you (Sir Abed) said it's about giving a chance, it's about sustainable development of education, it's about knowing our environment, about taking initiative and much more than that. "- Ms Irina Bokova, the first woman Director-General of UNESCO, said this while in conversation with Sir Fazle Hasan Abed. In a meeting on 9 May 2012 at BRAC Centre, Ms Irina Bokova along with her high officials, met with Sir Fazle Hasan Abed for a discussion which was primarily focused on BRAC integrated and sustainable approach towards development sectors, especially in Education and Health. UNESCO Education Speciallist Kiichi Oyasu, Director of BRAC Education Programme Dr. Safiqul Islam and Director of Institute of Educational Development Ms. Erum Mariam were also present in the meeting.
During the meeting, they discussed about BRAC’s activities in the education arena. For capacity building in public sector, BRAC introduced Institute of Educational Development under BRAC University, where Masters Degrees and various short courses are being offered. Dr. Safiqul Islam, Director of BRAC Education Programme, discussed about innovative approaches of BRAC Education Programme like boat schools in haor areas, mother language based school for ethnic children and special education opportunity for children with special needs.
Ms Irina Bokova mentioned the importance of showcasing positive development stories. She also appreciated the way BRAC works closely with the government to bring synergy in the outcomes. She has invited the Chairperson to attend a meeting in UNESCO's headquarter in Paris where they will discuss about the post 2015 agenda on the next goals of UNESCO. She also wants UNESCO to work closely with BRAC in Asia and Africa where BRAC is working.
When Ms Irina Bokova mentioned about quality improvement in teaching and learning process, Sir Abed mentioned that teaching and learning can be improved only by the government’s involvement, since they are leading the education system.
Burial of BRAC official killed in Afghanistan
06 May 2012, Dhaka. Mohammed Mohiuddin (41), a Bangladeshi development specialist working for BRAC Afghanistan, who was tragically killed by armed miscreants in Afghanistan last Thursday, has been laid to rest today at his family graveyard in Fulbaria of Mymensingh district. A team of senior BRAC officials, including the Chief Financial Officer of BRAC Group S N Kairy and Directors Shabbir Ahmed Chowdhury and Najmul Hossain, attended the burial. The team received Mohiuddin’s body, which was flown back to Dhaka from Kabul earlier in the morning, at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and escorted it to his village in Fulbaria. Later the BRAC officials attended Mohiuddin’s namaz-e-janaja along with the upazila Chairman Anwar Kabir, government officials, local elites and people in the community.
Speaking on behalf of BRAC, Kairy said, ‘Nothing can truly recompense the family for the loss of their loved one. Yet BRAC will continue to do everything possible to provide support to the family, starting with a compensation of Tk. 10,00,000 in addition to whatever employee benefits that Mohiuddin’s family is entitled to.’ He also said that BRAC is reviewing its strategic plans for Afghanistan and has stopped deploying Bangladeshi staff in risky areas of Afghanistan. BRAC's staffs are our biggest asset and we will take every measure to protect them’, he said. BRAC will wait for the results of the investigations before drawing further conclusions in relation to the incident of killing.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton conveyed her condolences at the tragic death of Mohiuddin to Sir Fazle Hasan Abed during her meeting with the BRAC Founder in Dhaka on Sunday morning. The Secretary of State also appreciated BRAC’s development efforts in Afghanistan.
Mohiuddin served BRAC for 14 years as a sector specialist in agriculture. He was posted at BRAC Afghanistan since 2009 in the community based livelihood improvement project in the Ghor Province in Western Afghanistan.
Burial of BRAC official killed in Afghanistan
06 May 2012, Dhaka. Mohammed Mohiuddin (41), a Bangladeshi development specialist working for BRAC Afghanistan, who was tragically killed by armed miscreants in Afghanistan last Thursday, has been laid to rest today at his family graveyard in Fulbaria of Mymensingh district. A team of senior BRAC officials, including the Chief Financial Officer of BRAC Group S N Kairy and Directors Shabbir Ahmed Chowdhury and Najmul Hossain, attended the burial. The team received Mohiuddin’s body, which was flown back to Dhaka from Kabul earlier in the morning, at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and escorted it to his village in Fulbaria. Later the BRAC officials attended Mohiuddin’s namaz-e-janaja along with the upazila Chairman Anwar Kabir, government officials, local elites and people in the community.
Speaking on behalf of BRAC, Kairy said, ‘Nothing can truly recompense the family for the loss of their loved one. Yet BRAC will continue to do everything possible to provide support to the family, starting with a compensation of Tk. 10,00,000 in addition to whatever employee benefits that Mohiuddin’s family is entitled to.’ He also said that BRAC is reviewing its strategic plans for Afghanistan and has stopped deploying Bangladeshi staff in risky areas of Afghanistan. BRAC's staffs are our biggest asset and we will take every measure to protect them’, he said. BRAC will wait for the results of the investigations before drawing further conclusions in relation to the incident of killing.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton conveyed her condolences at the tragic death of Mohiuddin to Sir Fazle Hasan Abed during her meeting with the BRAC Founder in Dhaka on Sunday morning. The Secretary of State also appreciated BRAC’s development efforts in Afghanistan.
Mohiuddin served BRAC for 14 years as a sector specialist in agriculture. He was posted at BRAC Afghanistan since 2009 in the community based livelihood improvement project in the Ghor Province in Western Afghanistan.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visits with BRAC Chair
6 May 2012, Dhaka — Knight Commander, Sir Fazle Hasan Abed and Nobel Laureate, Muhammad Yunus, have been marked as the creators of the world’s two best organizations – BRAC and Grameen Bank – by the visiting US secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton. In an early morning 9 o’clock meeting on 6 May 2012, at the Gulshan Residence of the US ambassador of Bangladesh, Dan W Mozena; Sir Fazle and Dr. Yunus met with Secretary Clinton for an hour long discussion which was primarily focused on the development of Bangladesh and women’s rights and empowerment.
Various other national and regional issues were also brought into focus which included feasible solutions to the electricity crisis, the current political situation, mobile phone technology usage in disseminating developmental services, the country’s poverty reduction capacity, youth empowerment, development success achieved so far in Bangladesh and its enduring potential. The two visionaries of Bangladesh have requested the continued support and assistance from the US in regard to these issues.
During the meeting, Secretary Clinton expressed her deep condolences to the family and friends of Mohammad Mohiuddin, BRAC’s Area Manger in the western province of Ghor, Afghanistan, who died in an armed attack on 3rd May 2012. She praised and appreciated the micro credit system, giving due credit to BRAC and Grameen Bank for the sustainable progress in the social structure of Bangladesh. She expressed her gratitude to both of them for their commitment and hard work towards such development work.
For a developing nation like Bangladesh, she has ensured continued US assistance for the betterment of humanity. Secretary Clinton said that she has known Sir Fazle and Dr. Yunus for almost 25 years and honours them as “national treasures” with the hope that the Government will also treat them accordingly.
Sir Fazle Hasan abed's condolence at the tragic death of Staff
Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, Founder and Chairperson of BRAC and BRAC International, expressed his profound shock and grief at the untimely death of Md. Mohiuddin, a Bangladeshi BRAC staff working in Afghanistan.
Sir Fazle said, “I join Mohiuddin’s family in this moment of grief. I wish them the strength and courage to help them pass through this difficult time. Mohiuddin demonstrated great bravery and dedication in serving humanity by working closely with the Afghan communities. I know that this is an irreparable loss, but BRAC will do everything possible to provide support to his family.
This tragedy highlights the commitment of our staff including Bangladeshi development experts who take significant risks to work for the underprivileged people in different parts of the world. BRAC will continue to work in difficult areas of Afghanistan, but with the deteriorating security situation we are acting with great urgency to review our plans to ensure staff safety.”
BRAC mourns the loss of its staff in Afghanistan
4 May 2012, Dhaka. On Thursday, May 3, a group of four armed men broke into BRAC staff residence in the western province of Ghor, Afghanistan. We are deeply saddened to announce that the incident led to the tragic loss of a life of one of our own.
BRAC leadership wishes to extend sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of our Area Manager, Mohammad Mohiuddin. He was 41 years old and left behind a wife and two children in Fulbaria, Mymensingh. We are doing everything we can to assist his family during this difficult time. Mohiuddin served with BRAC for 14 years as a sector specialist in Agriculture. He was working at BRAC Afghanistan since 2009 and helped many Afghan families improve their lives through his work in community based livelihood improvement project in Ghor. He recently started working for a new project on water management which has a partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock in Afghanistan.
BRAC has been working in Afghanistan since 2002. With 3,000 staff including 152 Bangladeshi, the organization has a direct programme presence in 23 provinces and through partnership with local NGOs in the remaining 11 provinces, including the ones where insecurity has been on the rise in recent times. BRAC is the largest development organization in Afghanistan serving 29.8 million poor, with a focus on women and girls to help them come out of poverty and lead a healthier and more empowered life.
We are closely monitoring developments in Afghanistan with great concern as the overall security situation in the country is increasingly deteriorating. Safeguarding the interests and well-being of the Bangladeshi and Afghan staff deployed in areas where insecurity is rising, remains our top priority.
Observation of World Malaria Day 2012
28 April 2012, Dhaka. World Malaria Day was observed on April 25, 2012 by BRAC Health Programme (BHP) and BRAC Advocacy for Social Change. This event was a joint initiative of BRAC and National Malaria Control Program (NMCP).The daylong programme included rally and Discussion Meeting where Government official and representatives from non Government organisations participated. The rally, started from National Museum and continued to Bangla Academi ; was followed by a discussion meeting at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel where Prof. A. F. M. Ruhal Haque M.P, Minister, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare was present as chief guest. Dr. Captain (Retd.) Mozibur Rahman Fakir M.P, State Minister, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Prof. (Dr.) Syed Modasser Ali, Adviser, Health & Family Welfare and Social Welfare Affairs Dr. Md. Humayun Kabir, Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Begum Akhtari Momtaj, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare were present as Special guests. The meeting was chaired by Prof. Dr. Md. Sefatullah, DG, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Representatives from 21 NGOs, Journalists were present at the meeting. Prof. Benazir Ahmed, Director, Disease Control, DGHS gave a presentation on the current situation of Malaria in Bangladesh highlighting treatment condition and future plan. A theme song on malaria sung by renowned artist Samina Chowdhury was released on this occasion. A documentary on World Malaria Day observation was telecasted on April 27, 2012 at BTV containing interviews, rally, highlights of discussion meetings and message for public.
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