City Report and Action Plan

Chittagong

Dr. Salim Akhter Chowdhury
Health Officer
Chittagong City Corporation
Bangladesh

CITY REPORT

Chittagong is the second-largest city in Bangladesh and is a major port. The city has a population of approximately 4 million and is divided into seven zones and 41 wards.

Reproductive Health

To provide primary health care services to city residents, Chittagong has been operating 25 primary health care centers, which are funded by the Asian Development Bank and UNFPA under a project by UPHCP. In addition, the city operates 19 health care centers through its own resources. At all of the above centers, medical doctors and support staff provide medical services free-of-charge and also offer counseling on health education and family planning and carry out other information, education and communication (IEC) activities. The city also operates six maternity hospitals, which are focused on reducing infant and maternal mortality.

Chittagong is encouraging traditional medicine and operates five homeopathic clinics and one homeopathic college. The city's other medical education institutions include the Midwifery Institute and the Institute of Health Technology. Health-related activities by the city include health education, mosquito control, sanitation, HIV/AIDS control, and dengue, tuberculosis and leprosy control.

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS rates of infection are still relatively low in Bangladesh, but the country as well as the city of Chittagong recognizes that AIDS is a growing concern which will have devastating consequences if not effectively addressed. Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable to the disease as almost half its population is under 16 years of age, and risky behavior such as unprotected sex and intravenous drug use are widespread. In addition, the country has a thriving sex trade, and unsafe blood transfusion practices are common.

Chittagong is currently implementing a HIV/AIDS prevention project. The specific objectives of the project are to improve the quality and effectiveness of health promotion initiatives, enhance the infrastructure for HIV/AIDS prevention, increase condom use especially among drivers, slum dwellers and other socio-economically deprived groups, increase knowledge of HIV/AIDS among health workers, college students and city employees, and obtain data on HIV/AIDS cases and the most vulnerable groups.

Components of the project involve training of health workers, including doctors, pharmacists, nurses and support staff, various IEC activities, condom promotion and establishment of facilities for HIV/AIDS testing.

The project has the strong commitment of the mayor, and involves various segments of society including universities, local leaders, school communities, and peer groups. The project is headed by an advisory committee comprised of Chittagong's mayor, its CEO, its chief health officer, a UNICEF representative, the project manager and representatives of NGOs. Operating under the advisory committee is the working group, which is headed by the project manager followed by the project coordinator, administrative officer, medical officers, health workers, pharmacists and medical workers.

ACTION PLAN

General objectives

To improve the reproductive health services and HIV/AIDS prevention program of college and university students in Chittagong.

Specific objectives

1. To establish a peer education program at each college and university.
2. To improve the quality and effectiveness of health education and promotion.
3. To increase the level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS.
4. To increase condom use.
5. To conduct research that will help with effective planning.

Target group

2,000 college and university students.

Measures and strategies

1. To produce skilled peer educators (one male and one female) at each school.
2. To explain the program to the management committee.
3. To build partnerships and networks with specific stakeholders and other agencies.
4. To mobilize the mass media for support.
5. To provide clinical services and referrals.
6. To survey the program participants for future planning.

Performance indicators

1. Monthly review meeting.
2. Quarterly review meeting.
3. Monitoring and evaluation.

Budget:

Approximately 2,000 U.S. dollars.

Timeline

Month 1: Meet with mayor and management committee.
Month 2: Peer educator selection and training.
Months 3-6: Activities are implemented.
Month 7: Prepare new model.