The Hunger Project and CCHST Sign MoU to Strengthen Community-Based Maternal and Child Health in Bangladesh

Dhaka, 19 May 2025 — The Hunger Project Bangladesh and the Community Clinic Health Support Trust (CCHST) have formally entered into a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes in Bangladesh.

The ceremonial signing took place at the CCHST Conference Room in Dhaka, bringing together senior government officials, health experts, and development leaders. The event underscored a shared commitment to scaling up community-based healthcare interventions through effective collaboration and alignment with national health policies.

A Strategic Collaboration for Impact

This partnership is designed to enhance the quality, accessibility, and reach of maternal and child health services by leveraging the extensive network of community clinics across the country. Through the joint initiative, both organizations aim to deliver targeted support in nutrition, antenatal care (ANC), and health education, particularly for women and children in underserved communities.

Key Objectives of the Partnership

The overarching goal of the MoU is to improve maternal and child health outcomes through community-driven service delivery mechanisms that align with the national healthcare framework. Specific focus areas include:

  • Leveraging Community Clinics to deliver health education through Mothers’ Clubs and distribute essential nutritional supplements such as Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) and Micronutrient Powder (MNP).
  • Promoting Antenatal Care (ANC) services by mobilizing pregnant women through trained Nutrition Animators and ensuring timely referrals to appropriate care.
  • Strengthening Community Engagement via household visits, awareness sessions, and active involvement of local stakeholders.
  • Enhancing Health System Coordination among government entities, health workers, and community actors for improved service delivery.
  • Aligning with National Frameworks to support the implementation of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare guidelines at the grassroots level.

Dignitaries in Attendance

The MoU signing ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries, including:

  • Dr. A M Zakir Hussain, Chairman, Community Clinic Health Support Trust (Chief Guest)
  • Md. Khorshed Alam, NDC, Additional Secretary (Hospital Division), Ministry of Health and Managing Director, CCHST (Chair of the Program)
  • Mr. Prashanta, Interim Country Director, The Hunger Project Bangladesh (Special Guest)
  • Mohammed Nasir Uddin, Deputy Secretary, CCHST
  • Mr.Jamirul Islam, Director -Training and Empowerment, The Hunger Project Bangladesh
  • Representatives from The Hunger Project’s GASN project team, community clinics, and local partners

A Step Toward Sustainable Health Solutions

Speaking at the ceremony, officials emphasized the importance of community engagement, institutional alignment, and evidence-based programming in achieving long-term health improvements.

  • “This partnership is a significant step toward strengthening primary healthcare at the community level. By working together, we aim to create sustainable health solutions rooted in local ownership and supported by national systems,” said Dr. A M Zakir Hussain, Chairman, Community Clinic Health Support Trust (Chief Guest)

The event concluded with closing remarks and a shared vision for future collaboration, signaling a new chapter in delivering impactful maternal and child health services across Bangladesh.