Visit of USAID Delegates in Sylhet
A delegation of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Bangladesh led by Ms. Miranda Beckman, Deputy Office Director, Office of Population, Health, Nutrition and Education (OPHNE) visited SMC's program activities in Sylhet area during August 21-23, 2022. The members of the delegation visited the Blue Star outlet "Luna Runa Pharmacy" at Mogla Bazaar, Dakkhin Surma, Sylhet and community mobilization activities in Golapganj, Sylhet. On behalf of SMC, Dr. Salah Uddin Ahmed, Additional GM, Training and Service Delivery and Mohammad Mohiuddin Ahmed, Head of BCC joined the delegation during their visit.
The team became highly amazed to know the contribution of Gold Star Network (women entrepreneurs) in the country in terms of creating demand and sales of public health products at the household level. They also visited the recently flood affected areas of Sylhet region where SMC donated relief to the Gold Star Members (GSMs) and the community people of the flood affected area with the support of USAID. The USAID team had discussion with the relief beneficiaries. The team also suggested to strengthen future collaboration and coordination with the USAID supported programs for combating any sort of natural disaster in future together. The team observed adolescent health session at Fulbari Aziria Fazil (Degree) Madrasah, Golapgonj, Sylhet. They had a very effective discussion with teachers and adolescents. Finally, USAID suggested to assess the adolescent sessions for further improvement. They also observed one session with Married Women of Reproductive Age (MWRA) in Chokriya Bazar, Golapgonj, Sylhet. The delegates were highly satisfied to see the overall activities and performances of the Blue Star, Gold Star and Community Mobilization activities of SMC in Sylhet area.
The USAID team include Dr. Fida Mehran, Heath Specialist and AOR of SMC, Ms. Farhana Akhter, Health Specialist, AOR of Mamoni, Ms. Kelley Lynch, Communication Advisor, Ms. Jannatul Farjana, Acquisition and Assistance Specialist and Ms. Kazi Tahmina Haque, Financial Analyst.
