Dhaka, 12, 2023 - UNFPA Bangladesh marked a significant milestone today as it formalized partnerships with key Private Sector actors, including Zaynax Health, Impact Hub Dhaka, Gram Unnayan Karma (GUK), and ToguMogu. The collaborative effort aims to empower female pharmacists to set up their own pharmacy, enhancing the delivery of quality Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) information, counseling, and referral services. In addition, an MoU was signed to improve SRH information and services for women and girls in the ready-made garment (RMG) industry through advocacy, data gathering, and capacity training of both RMG owners and buyers.
At the signing ceremony, representatives from UNFPA and the private sector partners committed to reducing harmful practices by pharmacists and drug sellers while promoting SRHR services within the permissible provisions. The initiative strives to ensure the availability and accessibility of expert medical advice, encompassing proper drug prescriptions for SRH issues and family planning guidance within pharmacies. Thanks to the investments from the private sector, the project will develop a special telemedicine app, pilot and implement an entrepeneurship training curriculum that is tailored to the needs of female pharmacists, and provide an equity fund to support female pharmacists in setting up their own pharmacy business.
The primary objective is to augment the presence of qualified and skilled female pharmacists dedicated to addressing SRHR needs in their respective communities. The programme has a specific focus on women and girls residing in urban areas, including slums in Bogura, Chapainawabganj, and Bagerhat districts. With the support of CIPRB, the project has successfully trained 400 pharmacists in sexual and reproductive health services, telemedicine, and other related areas. Beyond immediate impacts, the project aims to raise awareness of sexual and reproductive health and rights, and to support women to venture into entrepreneurship, such as pharmacy businesses.
This pioneering initiative transforms traditional pharmacies into hubs for family planning, safe motherhood, cervical cancer awareness, obstetric fistula prevention, and more. UNFPA emphasized the project's uniqueness in Bangladesh, highlighting the collaboration between diverse partners, including the private sector, pooling resources to advance the organization's mandate.
A key aspect of the project is the investment in young females, empowering them to initiate their own pharmacy businesses. By empowering them to overcome barriers, whether financial, social, or skills-related, UNFPA supports these aspiring entrepreneurs, fostering independence and success.
Ms. Kristine Blokhus, UNFPA Representative, expressed the transformative potential of women like Armina, citing their role not only in providing essential family planning and maternal health services but also in challenging societal norms and stereotypes. Female pharmacists become symbols of successful entrepreneurship, community service, and female empowerment.
Representatives from the respective companies - Mr. Zaeem Ahmed for Zaynax Health, Mr. Bishwamitra Chowdhury for Impact Hub Dhaka, Dr. Nazmul Arefin for ToguMogu, and Mr. Moin Chisti on behalf of GUK - took part in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony. Mr. Mahbub from Gram Unnayan Karma joined the signing ceremony online. After signing the agreements, the representatives of the various organizations shared their commitment and excitement regarding this new partnership. They reiterated the need to work together to jointly improve the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls in Bangladesh. In addition, a practicing female pharmacist, Ms Armina Khatun from Bogra, spoke at the event, sharing her experience and showcasing the impact she made in her community.
