Swapan Kumar Singh:

Last 16th January Thursday in Sylhet for 1 day Coordinated Health and Nutrition Collaborative workshop with Department of Health and Nutrition Sales Agents (NSA).

A collaborative workshop titled “Synergizing Health and Nutrition” was successfully organized by iDE Bangladesh under the Uddokta LDSC project, in partnership with the Upazila Health and Family Planning Office (UH&FPO), Sylhet Sadar, and Sylhet City Corporation. . The workshop, held at Grand Sylhet aimed to strengthen collaboration between the Department of Health and Nutrition Sales Agents (NSAs) to enhance community health and nutrition service delivery.

The event brought together approximately 80 participants including key stakeholders from the Civil Surgeon's Office, Upazila Health and Family Planning Office (UH&FPO), Sylhet City Corporation, Chevron,Uddokta team Members, and Nutrition Sales Agents (NSAs). The Chief Guest of the event was Dr. Manishar Chowdhury, Civil Surgeon, Sylhet, while Dr. Md. Jahidul Islam, Chief Health Officer, Sylhet City Corporation, and Dr. Ahmad Sirajum Munir, Upazila Health & Family Planning Officer, Sylhet Sadar, attended as special guests. The event was chaired by Md. Hannan Ali, Project Manager, Uddokta LDSC Project, iDE Bangladesh.
The workshop began with an opening speech by Md. Hannan Ali, Project Manager, Uddokta LDSC Project, who emphasized the project's role in introducing innovative and sustainable solutions for women entrepreneurs like NSAs. He highlighted the importance of collaborative engagement between the health sector and NSAs in ensuring access to trusted health and nutrition products and services for vulnerable communities.
Dr. Ahmad Sirajum Munir, Upazila Health & Family Planning Officer, Sylhet Sadar, appreciated the initiative and stated:
"This workshop is one of the best examples of collaboration between the health sector and NSAs. We hope NSAs will continue to follow health safety protocols and guidelines while delivering quality products and services to the community. Our department is committed to providing necessary support for their capacity-building and service enhancement."
Dr. Md. Jahidul Islam, Chief Health Officer, Sylhet City Corporation, remarked:
"This is a remarkable initiative that fosters collaboration between NSAs and health professionals for the well-being of the community. I sincerely appreciate iDE for organizing such an impactful event."
Dr. Manisar Chowdhury, Civil Surgeon, Sylhet, added:
"This workshop has created a positive impact on both the health professionals and NSAs, who play a crucial role in ensuring access to essential health and nutrition services, especially for underserved communities. This initiative will enhance service delivery, particularly in primary healthcare and door-to-door product distribution."
Representing Chevron Bangladesh, Khandokar Tusharujjaman, Field Corporate Manager, stated:
"iDE Bangladesh is doing an outstanding job in empowering women entrepreneurs through initiatives like NSAs. This collaboration not only strengthens their business sustainability but also enhances their confidence in delivering high-quality services. Chevron is committed to supporting such innovative solutions that align with global market trends and digital transformation."
The workshop featured active participation from medical officers, health inspectors, health assistants, vaccinators, supervisors, and MT (EPI) personnel from both the Upazila Health & Family Planning Office and Sylhet City Corporation. Discussions focused on: Challenges in community engagement and how NSAs can support health professionals, Types of support NSAs need to improve their service deliver and Future collaboration strategies for ensuring better health and nutrition services
The workshop concluded with closing remarks from the Civil Surgeon, Sylhet, and a vote of thanks from iDE Bangladesh and the Health Department representatives. Participants expressed their appreciation for the initiative, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration between NSAs and the health sector to improve community health, nutrition awareness, and access to essential healthcare products.