DWW begin a new project in the South Bangladesh area of Bhola island, an assessment of health care facilities and health needs around Daulat Khan, Bhola town and parts of Burhanuddin was undertaken. This was undertaken with the assistance of the Civil Surgeons office. Such was the paucity of care in these areas that our volunteer was besieged with people requesting help wherever he travelled, at one point whilst sat in a café an impromptu queue of patients lined up and he was unable to leave without seeing them! In the space of just a few days some 200 cases were seen even though this was not the primary purpose of this particular visit.

The genuine need, coupled with the sincere warmth and appreciation of the local population has led DWW to begin plans for a Basic Health Unit in the Daulat Khan region. Initial out-patient services will be begun once a simple building structure has been completed, the addition of ante-natal services will also follow, given that the present nearest facilities are currently three hours away for locals access. Assistance to the local government hospitals through training modules set up and run by DWW volunteers should also ensure improved care at secondary level. Partnerships with local organisations and elders to implement health education programmes will also play a part in the overall strategy for the area.

Read update report

Total population (2003)

146,736,000

GDP per capita (Intl $, 2002)

1,734

Life expectancy at birth m/f (years)

63.0 / 63.0

Healthy life expectancy at birth m/f (years, 2002)

55.3 / 53.3

Child mortality m/f (per 1000)

68 / 70

Adult mortality m/f (per 1000)

251 / 258

Total health expenditure per capita (Intl $, 2002)

54

Total health expenditure as % of GDP (2002)

3.1