The recent heavy rainfall and flooding have severely affected the lower regions of 11 districts in the country. Amidst this intense natural disaster, community health workers have been providing healthcare services to over 14,000 community clinics. These dedicated healthcare workers have been risking their lives to stand by the affected communities, even announcing their willingness to provide a day’s salary to support them.
Furthermore, the community health workers have been going door-to-door, starting from the shelter centers in flood-affected areas, to provide healthcare services. They are distributing essential medicines, water purification tablets, and in some places, ready-to-eat food and relief materials.
On Monday (August 26), the President of the Bangladesh SEHCP Association, Mr. Jahidul Islam, shared this information in a press release. The community clinic health care providers (SEHCP) are ensuring the provision of essential medicines and health education for waterlogged children, women, men, and the general public in various shelter centers for primary healthcare services.
In the press release, Mr. Jahidul Islam, the President of the Bangladesh SEHCP Association, stated, „The country is facing a dangerous situation due to the floods. In the current circumstances, it has been decided to provide a day’s salary to our brothers and sisters affected by the floods. Our own salaries have been suspended for a long time. Nevertheless, at this moment, we stand by our affected brothers and sisters who are struggling.“
At this time, he called on everyone to extend a helping hand according to their own position and capability.
Health worker Abdur Rashid mentioned, „During the coronavirus pandemic, we were deployed in providing healthcare services to the local communities. We provided services while wearing masks and gloves, risking our lives. Currently, we are standing by everyone in this crisis in the country. Many of our clinics have been submerged in floodwaters. We have safely moved the medicines to a secure location. From there, we are taking the medicines and providing services to the shelter centers and going door-to-door to provide services to the people.“
In conclusion, the dedication and selflessness of these community health workers in the face of such adversity are truly commendable. Their efforts to provide essential healthcare services to those affected by the floods are crucial in ensuring the well-being of the community during this challenging time.