Diabetes prevention through religious leaders in Bangladesh

Objectives

To organize training on healthy lifestyle for prevention and care of diabetes and other NCDs for religious leaders (Imams) in Bangladesh and introduce diabetes corners in religious centres (Mosques) while improving community awareness for prevention and care of diabetes and other NCDs through religious leaders.

Approach

This is a second phase project, building on WDF15-1237. This project will be implemented in a joint partnership between the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh (BADAS), the Islamic Foundation, and the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The project will organise training programs for 100 religious leaders (Imams) and establish 100 diabetes counselling corners in Mosques in the Dhaka division that can act as a bridge between people at risk of or diagnosed with diabetes and appropriate diabetes health care services. It will also seek to educate and create community awareness concerning diabetes and other NCDs in and around Dhaka.

Results at completion

100 religious leaders (Imam) have received intensive training on healthy lifestyle for the prevention and care of diabetes and other NCDs
100 diabetes corners established in 100 Mosques in the Dhaka and Mymensingh divisions
50,000 people have received screening and education services from these corners
5 million general people have received information on healthy lifestyle for the prevention and care of diabetes and other NCDs through religious leaders (Imam)
Education toolkits including booklets, leaflets, posters and training manuals developed
6 television and 6 radio talk shows arranged for improving community awareness
Website and mobile help-line for improving awareness and patient’s compliance developed
Documentary film developed for community awareness
Mobile network established between Imams and Project office of BADAS for information sharing and data collection
200 Medical and Nursing students of 3 Medical Colleges and 2 Nursing Colleges of BADAS have participated in 2 advocacy meetings during the project period

Project information

  • Project Nr.:
    WDF17-1552
  • Project status:
    Completed
  • Intervention areas:
    Access to care
    Prevention
  • Region:
    South East Asia
  • Country:
    Bangladesh
  • Partners:
    Bangladesh Diabetic Association (BADAS)
  • Project period:
    2018 2022
  • Project budget:
    USD 299,946.37
  • WDF contribution:
    USD 299,946.37