Max Foundation holds national event on urban nutrition, community health

Max Foundation Bangladesh, in collaboration with BRAC James P. Grant School of Public Health (BRAC JPGSPH), on Monday presented findings of a study highlighting the effectiveness of the Healthy Village Approach in improving community-based healthcare in urban Lalmonirhat.

Titled “From Systems to Communities: Understanding Pathways of Change in the Health Village in Urban Programme,” the study was conducted by BRAC JPGSPH to examine how the approach can strengthen preventive healthcare and nutrition services at the community level.

The event in Dhaka brought together key stakeholders, development partners and senior government officials.

Dr Md Rizwanur Rahman, Chief Guest, stressed the need for stronger government-private sector collaboration to address growing public health and nutrition challenges, noting that existing healthcare capacity is inadequate. He called for aligning private sector initiatives with government programmes to improve service delivery. 

Dr Mohammad Mujibur Rahman, Director General of the Bangladesh National Nutrition Council (BNNC), also underscored the importance of PPP, saying private providers play a vital role in healthcare delivery and must be integrated to ensure equitable access.

Dr Laura Reichenbach, Dean of BRAC JPGSPH, said the study demonstrates how trained local women can connect families with public health services, highlighting the role of academic-NGO partnerships in shaping policy, strengthening community clinics and sustaining nutrition services beyond external funding.

Dr ATM Tariqul Islam, Country Director of Max Foundation Bangladesh, said the research reflects the organisation’s “Evidence for Scale” strategy, showing how private sector engagement and women-led micro-enterprises can drive sustainable healthcare solutions beyond programme support.

The mixed-methods study highlighted how trusted community relationships can improve preventive child healthcare.