Papri Paul’s day begins like any other, busy with work at the small clinic in Dail Para, a village in the Khuruskul Union of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. The soft morning light shines through the windows as she adjusts the height scale, checks a pregnant woman’s weight, and examines her eyes for signs of anaemia. Her hands move steadily, her voice calm and kind, as she explains what to do next.

Papri, a community healthcare provider, delivers these essential services in a village that is hard to access due to poor roads and transportation issues, especially during the monsoon season. But Papri doesn’t let these challenges stop her. She is resolute in her mission to help the people within her community stay healthy.

It was through her work that she participated in training provided through the Adopting a Multisectoral Approach for Nutrition (AMAN) project. In partnership with the Government of Bangladesh, and with funding from the Government of Canada, the AMAN project is building the capacity of eight priority ministries to implement the Multisectoral Minimum Nutrition Package and improve the ability of district and upazila (subdistrict) nutrition coordination committees to plan, budget, implement and monitor gender-responsive Multisectoral Annual Nutrition Action Plans.

Through targeted training, Papri gained enhanced skills to deliver nutrition services to mothers and newborns that emphasized the importance of providing care with respect and dignity. She received additional training in using modules to conduct communicative and effective counselling sessions with her clients at the health complex. She uses these materials to share critical health messages, particularly about nutrition during pregnancy and the timely initiation of breastfeeding. She also facilitates support group meetings where this type of information is further shared and explored.

“I use modules, pictorial aids, simple materials and tools provided by the AMAN project to explain health practices to pregnant women in a way they can easily understand and remember. Before the project, I would explain verbally, but it wasn’t as effective,” shared Papri.

One of Papri’s primary objectives is to educate pregnant women on the importance of taking iron and folic acid supplements during pregnancy. She also highlights the need for regular antenatal checkups and the benefits of breastfeeding. Thanks to the AMAN project’s training and materials, Papri has learned to offer personalized counselling to women, helping them maintain their health during pregnancy and ensure the safe delivery of their babies.

Papri recalls a particularly impactful visit to a pregnant woman in Uttar Dail Para, a neighbouring village. The woman, six months pregnant, had yet to go to an antenatal care appointment. Papri spoke to her and her family about the importance of antenatal care and what was involved, but they were resistant to take part.

On subsequent days, Papri returned to the family’s home to discuss the risks of missed appointments. She emphasized that early detection of complications could protect both the mother and baby. Over time, Papri’s patience and perseverance paid off. After several discussions, the woman attended her first antenatal visit and continued the appointments for the remainder of her pregnancy. She decided to give birth at the Union Health and Family Welfare Centre and welcomed a healthy baby into the world. “It was very fulfilling to know I could support them and make a difference,” said Papri on reflection.

Papri also plays a crucial role in the lives of young mothers. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), over 10% of adolescent girls become pregnant in Bangladesh before the age of 19. Despite growing awareness of the risks associated with adolescent pregnancies, they remain a reality. At the time of this interview, Papri was working with a pregnant 17-year-old. Married at 16 due to family pressure, the expectant teen was relying on Papri’s guidance to ensure a healthy pregnancy. “I know early pregnancy is risky for both the mother and baby. But since I’m already pregnant, I have to focus on staying healthy,” shared the mom-to-be. “I come to the centre for checkups and follow Papri’s advice. I hope no one else gets married before 18 or pregnant before 20,” she added.

Papri provides special attention in these circumstances. “I take extra care with adolescent mothers because they are neither mentally nor physically prepared for pregnancy,” Papri explained. She closely monitors their nutritional intake, ensuring they consume iron and folic acid supplements to prevent complications like anaemia. She also arranges regular antenatal checkups and conducts sessions on hygiene and safe delivery practices. Additionally, Papri offers emotional support, listening to their concerns and encouraging them to focus on self-care.

Her commitment has earned her the trust of the community, who rely on her for guidance and support. Improving the knowledge and skills of health workers to deliver essential nutrition services is in turn helping build the understanding of the population on why and how to access these services.

The AMAN project is supporting the Government of Bangladesh to strengthen nutrition services delivered through the health system, social safety net programs, and multisector nutrition actions. Learn more about the AMAN project.

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