Tackling non-communicable disease

Farm-workers take a break from harvesting for a blood sugar check

In Bangladesh over 10 million adults live with diabetes and this number continues to rise. In rural areas it is difficult to deliver screening programs due to shortage of health care providers and outreach is often non-existent. Rabiul Islam, head of Oasis for Posterity recently sent photos from the weekly paramedic program offered by the OfP Healthcare Centre.

OfP volunteers are also learning how to use a glucometer

A trained paramedic, supported by BHP, provides blood glucose tests and prevention advice for Balagram community members in their homes and workplaces. She also trains OfP volunteers who can offer basic follow-up care at the chronic illness drop-in clinic held in OfP’s vocational college nearby.

Outreach services improve access to services for working people

Schooling without learning

Covers of the Pakistan, Canada, India and Bangladesh versions of the book

The Political Economy of Education in South Asia, a scholarly text by BHP Director John Richards and colleagues has just been re-issued in India, following initial publication by University of Toronto Press with later editions in Bangladesh and Pakistan. (John is currently drafting the second edition.)

The book has three main themes: (1) Diagnostics,  analyzes the chronic quality deficit in South Asia’s basic education. (2) Teachers: the pivot of educational change describes institutional actors such as political elites and senior officials, teachers’ unions and teacher training institutes. (3) The Political Economy of Education in South Asia explains how these powerful institutions pursue their own goals, resulting in the high “learning poverty” rate common in the region.

One of the book's reviewers, Paul Martin, former Prime Minister of Canada writes, “I have known one of the authors, John Richards, for many years. We have both worked to improve education for Indigenous peoples in Canada. This book goes straight to the point. Its first contribution is an insistence that South Asian governments spend more on public primary education. The second is that success of primary education means, by the end of the primary school cycle, students are able to read, write, and do basic arithmetic. Schools have many goals beyond literacy and arithmetic, but mastering these core skills is necessary for escaping poverty. Those responsible for managing social programs, in Canada or South Asia, must never underestimate the value of good schools."

Palliative care pioneers honoured

For many years, Kath and Ted Murray, founders of Life and Death Matters have supported BHP efforts by supplying educational materials related to palliative care. These materials were used at IUBAT College of Nursing and Sajida Foundation in Dhaka, Bangladesh helping to raise awareness and improve palliative care practices in that country.

Recently, Kath and Ted were awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for their outstanding contributions to palliative care education in Canada. This prestigious honour recognizes their decades of work in developing and delivering high-quality, competency-based palliative care curriculum for Personal Support Workers and for nurses, as well support materials for educators.

One of the award nominees writes, “From foundational textbooks to innovative e-learning programs, workshops, and mentorship initiatives, Kath and Ted’s work has made an undeniable impact in … advancing person-centered, culturally responsive, and evidence-based palliative care.” Some of the educational materials on the Life and Death Matters website are available without charge and you can also subscribe for tips, insights, and updates on palliative care.