Dhaka: International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B), an international public health research organization based in Bangladesh, organized a seminar on sexual and reproductive health to raise awareness among adolescents and address their health challenges. The seminar titled ‘Journey to Evidence: Series Dissemination of AdSEARCH Innovation – Round One’ took place at ICDDR,B’s Sasakawa auditorium.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event presented findings from four research studies focused on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for adolescents in Bangladesh. These studies, funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), aimed to address the SRHR challenges faced by adolescents in the country. A significant finding emerged from the HopeBox intervention, a toolkit designed for orphaned adolescent girls, which showed improvements in knowledge about menstrual hygiene and contraception. Before the intervention, knowledge of modern contraception ranged from 4% to 11%, increasing to 51%-59% after the program, as per a press release from icddr,b. The release suggested expanding the toolkit to orphanages nationwide.
Syed Rubayet, Country Director of Ipas Bangladesh, emphasized that sexual and reproductive health services have long remained unprioritized for adolescents, particularly orphaned adolescents, describing them as a neglected group. President of the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Bangladesh (OGSB), Professor Farhana Dewan, stated that OGSB runs adolescent-friendly corners committed to reaching and providing care for orphaned adolescents.
Another study highlighted Mukhorito, a mobile app educating adolescents on SRHR topics, which resulted in a 16% improvement in knowledge. The app helped reduce social stigma and encouraged open discussions on reproductive health. Chairperson of the Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC), Professor Sayeba Akhter, stressed the importance of addressing adolescent girls’ health needs to ensure a healthy future generation.
The third study, involving female athletes from Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), revealed that 86% of participants lacked adequate menstrual health education. The study advocated for improved support systems and education on menstrual health for adolescent athletes. International Sports Development Consultant, Professor Anupam Hossain, remarked on the successes of Bangladeshi girls in sports and the importance of removing barriers they face.
The fourth study on menstrual cup usage among female workers in the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector found menstrual cups to be a cost-effective and comfortable solution, especially in workplaces with limited sanitation facilities. Farzana Sultana, Development Advisor at Global Affairs Canada (GAC), reiterated the Canadian government’s commitment to advancing SRHR in Bangladesh.
The seminar underscored the need for a collaborative approach to improve adolescent health in Bangladesh, featuring key officials from the Directorate General of Health Services, Directorate General of Family Planning, and other relevant institutions in panel discussions on future strategies.