Bangladesh: Boosting NPHI Capacity
In 2007, the worst monsoon rains in years devastated South Asia, displacing or stranding about 14 million persons and killing hundreds in and around Dhaka. The floods hit the poorest and most vulnerable, leaving many without land, shelter, and means of livelihood. Damage to and destruction of water systems also led to large outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness.
The Bangladesh Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control & Research (IEDCR) used IANPHI funding to develop staff capacity in health crisis management after catastrophic floods. The field staff not only improved their capacity to intervene in a timely manner during natural disasters but also improved their skills in epidemiologic field work and data management. Laboratory scientists likewise improved their skills in timely sample collection, transport, preservation, and analysis.
Information collected on the magnitude of health problems occurring during and after floods will provide important baseline data for future flood seasons and guide the development of a surveillance system on flood-related adverse health events.
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