Vaalo - Consultancy and Technical Work

Consultation meeting for Updating H-NAP 2024 at IEDCR

Consultancy and Technical Work 24May

"WHO, IEDCR, and VAALO Unite for updating H-NAP 2018, on 23rd May, 2024, where health experts and consultants from the World Health Organization (WHO), Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), and Vulnerability Assessment, Advocacy and Livelihoods Officer (VAALO) recently came together for a crucial consultation meeting to discuss the development of the Health National Adaptation Plan (H-NAP) 2024. Building upon the framework of H-NAP 2018, the meeting aimed to revisit and update key aspects of the plan to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in addressing current health challenges in Bangladesh.

The primary focus of the updated plan is to seamlessly integrate with the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and develop comprehensive strategies for climate change resilience in Bangladesh's coastal and drought-prone areas. This strategic integration seeks to enhance the country's capacity to effectively respond to the health impacts of climate change, particularly in vulnerable regions.

The collaborative effort and expertise brought into the consultation meeting are expected to lead to a robust and forward-looking H-NAP 2024 that will play a pivotal role in safeguarding public health and well-being in the face of ongoing environmental challenges. Stay tuned for further updates on the progress and implementation of H-NAP 2024 as it continues to evolve to meet the health needs of Bangladesh's communities.

Successfully Completed the Rapid Gender Assessment for SRHR Consortium (RHSTEP and BAPSA)

Consultancy and Technical Work 06Mar

The "Rapid Gender Assessment of SRHR Consortium (RHSTEP and BAPSA)" aimed to understand gender dynamics within the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Consortium, which includes RHSTEP and BAPSA.

Through collaborative efforts, workshops were organized and Key Informant Interviews (KII) were conducted with the SRHR Consortium (RHSTEP and BAPSA), alongside government representatives from pertinent health sectors. These activities provided valuable insights into gender-specific challenges and opportunities in SRHR programs. The duration of the assignment was January and February 2024, and we delivered the final report on March 5, 2024.

The findings of this assessment will inform future strategies and interventions to ensure inclusivity and effectiveness in SRHR initiatives. VAALO remains committed to promoting gender-responsive approaches in SRHR, fostering improved health outcomes and empowerment for all.

Finalizing the BDRCS Health Policy, Strategy, and Implementation Guideline Documents

Consultancy and Technical Work 10Dec

Held on December 10, 2023, at the BDRCS training and workshop room, the event brought together key stakeholders to gather feedback and refine the documents developed by VAALO.

The workshop served as a platform for stakeholders to provide insights, recommendations, and constructive criticism to ensure the efficacy and relevance of the documents.

Attended by esteemed figures including the Chairman, Secretary General, and Deputy Secretary General of BDRCS, along with representatives from the Danish Red Cross, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the workshop was marked by robust discussions and exchange of ideas.

The presence of such high-level officials and international partners underscored the significance of the initiative and highlighted the collective effort towards advancing healthcare policies in Bangladesh.

Endline Survey Report of "Integrated Protection and Health Program for Rohingya Refugees in Cox's Bazar”

Consultancy and Technical Work 11Oct

In a significant milestone for humanitarian efforts in Cox's Bazar, VAALO has completed and submitted the endline survey report for the "Integrated Protection and Health Program for Rohingya Refugees in Cox's Bazar 2022-23" to the International Rescue Committee (IRC). This comprehensive report, covering the period from June 23 to September 23, marks a crucial step forward in understanding and addressing the needs of Rohingya refugees and the host community.

The endline survey, conducted in Rohingya refugee camps 5, 25, 18 and the host community, focused on women's protection and empowerment (WPE), child protection, and health. With a team dedicated to data collection and analysis, VAALO embarked on a rigorous process to gather insights directly from the affected populations.

Visiting the Rohingya refugee camps located in Cox's Bazar, VAALO's team engaged with individuals and families to capture their experiences, challenges, and aspirations. This on-the-ground approach ensured that the survey accurately reflected the realities faced by Rohingya refugees and the host community, providing a holistic view of the situation.

Following the data collection phase, VAALO's team meticulously analyzed the findings, identifying trends, and patterns. The report, meticulously crafted by VAALO's experts, presents a comprehensive overview of the program's impact and effectiveness.

Submission of Endline Study/ Annual Assessment of Care Bangladesh

Consultancy and Technical Work 20Aug

In May 2023, VAALO Avant-garde Ltd embarked on a vital assignment in the Rohingya Camp, focusing on critical issues such as Gender-based Violence (GBV), Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). The assignment area was Rohingya camps 13, 15, 16, and Thaingkhali Upazila.

With a dedicated team of experts, VAALO Avant-garde Ltd ventured into the field to collect comprehensive data on various aspects related to GBV, SRHR, WASH, and DRR. Through interviews, surveys, and participatory assessments, they gathered valuable insights from community members, stakeholders, and local authorities. Following rigorous data collection, the team meticulously analyzed the information to identify trends, challenges, and areas for improvement.

After months of diligent work and analysis, VAALO Avant-garde Ltd successfully compiled the findings into a detailed Endline Study/Annual Assessment report. and submitted to Care Bangladesh. The report encapsulates the achievements, challenges, and impact of the CARE Program under the AHP III Consortium, providing valuable recommendations for future interventions and policy advocacy.