Planning and Development Research

Cox's Bazar cyclone-prone coastal regions of Bangladesh, the fierce winds and torrential rains brought about by the storm had forced many families to seek refuge at the local cyclone shelter. Among them was Shila, a young adolescent girl who found herself experiencing her first menstruation during this time of crisis. As the storm raged outside, Shila felt a mix of confusion and fear. The lack of knowledge and understanding about menstruation within her community had left her unprepared for this significant milestone in her life. Additionally, the cyclone shelter's management and infrastructure were ill-equipped to address the specific needs of adolescent girls like Shila. Inside the overcrowded shelter, Shila's feel fear, shy and hesitated to reach out for help. The limited privacy and lack of appropriate facilities made her uncomfortable, compounding her anxiety. She watched as the shelter's staff struggled to provide basic necessities and maintain order amidst the ch

  Objective : The objective of this group work is to bring together health sector professionals to discuss and strategize on improving maternal healthcare in flood-prone regions, taking inspiration from the challenges faced by Rina and other pregnant women in the Haor region of Bangladesh. Introduction (5 minutes) v   Provide an overview of the story of Rina and the challenges she faced during her pregnancy in a flood-prone area. v   Highlight the importance of maternal healthcare in such vulnerable environments. v   Set the goals for the group work session. Understanding the Challenges (5 minutes) v   Facilitate a discussion to identify the key challenges faced by pregnant women in flood-prone regions. v   Discuss the impact of limited resources, inadequate facilities, and overwhelmed medical services on maternal health. v   Explore the implications of unsanitary conditions, lack of nutrition, and disrupted access to prenatal and postnatal care. Sharing Best Practices (10 minutes) v  

  In the flood-prone Haor region of Bangladesh, the monsoon rains had swelled the rivers, causing widespread flooding. Among the affected residents was Rina, a young woman during her pregnancy. As the waters rose, her situation became increasingly precarious. Rina and her husband, Raju, had struggled to find shelter amidst the chaos. The floodwaters had engulfed their home, forcing them to seek refuge on higher ground. With no access to medical facilities or prenatal care, Rina's pregnancy became a cause for concern. Days turned into weeks, and Rina's condition deteriorated. The unsanitary conditions, lack of nutritious food, and limited healthcare options took a toll on her health and the well-being of her unborn child. Raju, overwhelmed with worry, tried his best to provide for Rina, but the dire circumstances seemed insurmountable. As the floodwaters receded, a glimmer of hope emerged. Relief workers and medical teams arrived in the region, providing much-needed assistance.

  Health and family planning can play significant roles as tools for climate change resilience by addressing both the impacts of climate change on human health and the contribution of population growth to greenhouse gas emissions. Here's how they can contribute to building climate change resilience: a.       Health Resilience: { Climate-Related Health Risks : Climate change brings about various health risks, including heat-related illnesses, vector-borne diseases (like malaria and dengue), waterborne diseases, and respiratory issues due to air pollution. Strengthening healthcare systems and implementing early warning systems for extreme weather events can enhance a community's ability to cope with and respond to these health challenges. { Disaster Preparedness and Response : Health systems need to be well-prepared to handle the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-induced disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and heatwaves. Adequate medical supplies, trained personn

  Climate Change-induced disasters in Bangladesh, such as increased frequency and intensity of cyclones, floods, and sea-level rise, have profound impacts on the health and Family Planning sector. Here are some key impacts: { Increased Risk of Waterborne Diseases : Climate Change-related floods and cyclones can contaminate water sources, leading to a higher risk of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid. The spread of these diseases can overwhelm healthcare facilities and strain resources for treatment. { Food Insecurity and Malnutrition : Climate Change affects agricultural productivity, leading to reduced crop yields and food shortages. This can result in increased malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children. Malnutrition can have long-term health consequences, including stunting and compromised immune systems. { Vector-Borne Diseases: Rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns create favorable condition

  Disaster Risk Reduction Measures for the Health and Family Planning Sector Disaster risk reduction ( DRR ) measures focusing on the health sector can be implemented at the national level, organizational level, and community level. Here are some key measures for each level: National Level: v   Policy and Governance  v   Risk Assessment and Mapping v   Strengthening Infrastructure v   Strengthening Health Systems v   Knowledge and Information Management Organization Level: v   Risk-Informed Planning v   Training and Capacity Building v   Emergency Preparedness and Response v   Continuity of Services v   Partnerships and Collaboration Community Level: v   Community Participation v   Public Awareness and Education v   Community-Based Early Warning Systems v   Community Resilience Building v   Health Promotion and Education