Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) have emerged as the leading cause of death in Bangladesh, accounting for around 67% of total deaths. Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, and chronic respiratory conditions are rising rapidly, fueled by lifestyle risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and many more factors. Hypertension now affects 1 in 5 adults, while diabetes impacts over 13 million people, resulting in nearly 76,000 deaths annually. Often undiagnosed until complications arise, these "silent killers" place enormous pressure on families and the health system. Early detection and preventive interventions are critical, yet access to screening remains limited, especially in rural and underserved communities.
To address this gap, the Social Marketing Company (SMC) has expanded its health services by integrating NCD screening into its extensive Star Network, comprising 13,000 Blue Star, 6,500 Green Star, and 5,500 Gold Star Members. These non-graduate medical practitioners, trusted locally and often the first point of contact for healthcare, are trained and equipped to identify at-risk individuals, provide lifestyle counseling, and facilitate referrals for further care. By empowering these frontline providers, SMC transforms them into key actors in the fight against chronic diseases.
The roles of the Star Providers are carefully delineated. Blue and Green Star Providers conduct blood pressure measurements, glucometer screening of blood sugar, offer counseling on lifestyle modifications, and create awareness on NCD prevention by providing different printed materials. Gold Star Members perform blood sugar testing using glucometers, identify individuals at risk for diabetes, and refer them to qualified healthcare providers for confirmation and treatment. Paramedics of Community Mobilisation program measures blood pressure of pregnant women and also measure blood pressure and blood sugar for all in health fair organized in the village market All members actively contribute to raising community awareness, promoting healthy behaviors, and ensuring a continuum of care.
The program's strength lies in its multi-setting approach. Screenings occur not only at provider outlets but also in community gatherings such as Maa Somabesh (mothers' meetings), school programs, health fairs (MoniBiscuits Mela), and awareness campaigns-platforms that effectively engage women and marginalized populations who often face barriers to formal healthcare. This approach decentralizes services, improves accessibility, builds health literacy, and reduces the burden on tertiary hospitals while establishing sustainable referral pathways. SMC also have screening facility and clinical service for diabetic and hypertensive patients at SMC Diagnostic and Consultation Centers where periodic free service is also provided to the community.
By leveraging its existing Star Network, SMC offers a cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable model that strengthens screening, prevention, empowers communities, and addresses the growing NCD epidemic in Bangladesh. This initiative exemplifies how community-based interventions can bridge critical healthcare gaps, fostering a culture of early detection by screening, prevention, effective referral and healthier living across the country.
