Ms. Kerri Wazny, EME Manager-Nutrition, Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), UK visited 'Ma Medical Hall', a Blue Star outlet located at Khidirpur, Monohardi, Narsingdi on August 31, 2023. The purpose was to observe the program activities of the Social Marketing Company (SMC) and the implementation progress of Multiple Micronutrient Supplement (MMS) program. Mr. Toslim Uddin Khan, MD & CEO along with other high officials of SMC and GAIN Bangladesh accompanied the delegates during the visit. 

Mr. Khan discussed with Ms. Taslima Begum, the Blue Star Provider, on various program-related topics, including the execution of MMS, pregnancy care services, safe delivery practices and the promotion of FullCare. Additionally, Mr. Khan and Ms. Wazny conversed with clients at the outlet to gain insights into their perspectives. 

On the same day, the team observed a "Pregnant Mother Gathering" organized by Gold Star Member (GSM) based in Ekduaria, Narsingdi. A total of 30 pregnant women attended the event, where they received basic pregnancy care services, child and maternal nutrition, information on FullCare (SMC's MMS brand), the significance of antenatal care (ANC) during pregnancy and the importance of delivering baby at a hospital or clinic under the guidance of trained providers. During the session, a graduate (MBBS) doctor provided basic pregnancy care including urine test for measuring sugar and albumin using strips, blood pressure, blood sugar and weight measurement for the pregnant women. In addition, the doctor also counselled about the five danger signs during pregnancy, interpreted the results of different tests and provided guidance on the follow-up steps. 

Mr. Khan also addressed the audience emphasizing the importance of pregnancy care, safe delivery, nutrition during pregnancy and the impact of MMS interventions that has positive effects on pregnancy outcomes in Bangladesh.

Source: Newsletter-46 (July-September), 2023