Bangladesh - COVID-19

In response to the pandemic COVID-19, an alert has been raised in Start Fund Bangladesh by Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO) & Association for Rural Cooperation (ARCO), in four North-Eastern districts of Bangladesh, namely Naogaon Sadar, Panchagarh Sadar, Thakurgaon Sadar & Nilphamari Sadar.

The government of Bangladesh and other humanitarian actors have promised funding and support, but there is still an urgent need of a rapid release of funds to prevent transmission. A mass awareness raising campaign is required, following WHO prescribed guidelines, as well as coordinating with the government. In the wake of a countrywide shutdown and mandatory quarantine, there is scope for increasing clarity on how to deal with the pandemic, using all required resources.

Limitations: With the rapidly changing trend of the pandemic, getting the right updates is a major challenge and a situation that needs constant monitoring. There is a severe lack of awareness amongst the people and this needs to be addressed.