To mark World Diabetes Day, BRAC organized 450 specialized health camps, rallies, and awareness programs across the country. The main goal of the initiative was to bring diagnostic services and medical advice right to people’s doorsteps.

Nationwide Response to Health Camps and Rallies

BRAC celebrated World Diabetes Day across Bangladesh by arranging health camps and rallies aimed at delivering non-communicable disease (NCD) services directly to the public.
Through 450 specialized health camps, awareness rallies, and discussion sessions, BRAC’s Health Program observed the day. Conducted in 275 upazilas, the initiative aimed to provide diabetes and other NCD-related testing, services, and guidance straight to the community.

Special Initiatives at Upazila Health Complexes

Special initiatives were also taken at the NCD corners of Upazila Health Complexes, where free diabetes tests and awareness activities were offered.
Over the past decade, BRAC has screened nearly 5.8 million people nationwide for NCDs. Due to an increased focus on diabetes detection and care, ordinary people can now identify health issues earlier and access treatment more easily. BRAC plans to expand these efforts further to ensure broader access to testing and long-term care.

Rising Diabetes Cases: Early Detection Is the Best Protection

Diabetes is rapidly increasing in Bangladesh. In this situation, early detection and regular treatment are the most effective preventive measures. Yet many people still lack access to proper testing and medical care.

BRAC’s community-based model provides doorstep testing, guidance on healthy lifestyles, and referral pathways to government hospitals for long-term care.

Special Support for Low-Income Communities

To complement government efforts, BRAC conducts these programs in coordination with local health departments and government officials. Low-income groups—especially those in urban slums, villages, and suburban regions—benefit the most from these services.

NCD Project Visits in Rangpur and Narayanganj

On World Diabetes Day, civil surgeons and Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) officials visited NCD project areas in Rangpur division and Narayanganj, jointly operated by BRAC, DGHS, and Medtronic Labs.

Through this project, patient data is integrated with the NCD corners of government hospitals to ensure timely follow-ups and consistent treatment after initial detection.

From Screening to Lifelong Care—BRAC’s Vision

Dr. Md. Akramul Islam, Senior Director of BRAC’s Health Program, said:
“Millions of people in the country had long been deprived of primary screening facilities for diabetes and other NCDs. Now we are seeing communities benefit from early detection. Our next goal is to ensure that patients receive lifelong care after screening—strengthening digital systems and skilled health workers is essential for this.”

Government–BRAC Partnership Enhancing NCD Services

Professor Dr. Syed Zakir Hossain, Line Director of the Non-Communicable Disease Control (NCDC) unit, said:
“The partnership between NCDC and BRAC demonstrates how government leadership, community-level services, and digital innovation can transform diabetes and NCD care systems. We are implementing the 2025 World Diabetes Day theme—‘Diabetes care for every stage of life’—ensuring equal and quality care for everyone at every stage.”

NCDs Cause the Highest Number of Deaths: Experts Warn

At a recent BRAC event, experts stated that more than 70% of total deaths in Bangladesh are caused by long-term non-communicable diseases. Additionally, ordinary people pay nearly 68% of healthcare expenses out of pocket—pushing many families toward poverty and denying them necessary medical treatment.

# BRAC • Diabetes • HealthCamp • NCD • World_Diabetes_Day