On the successful completion of the initial phase of USAID Alliance for Combating Tuberculosis (ACTB) operations in Bangladesh, a delegation from the USAID LON (Local Organization Network) evaluation team made a visit to the SMC Head Office on October 09, 2023. The objective of this visit was to evaluate the LON approach employed in the ACTB activities carried out by both SMC and USAID. Mr. Toslim Uddin Khan, MD & CEO of SMC, provided a comprehensive overview about the journey of SMC activities under ACTB project and the programmatic initiatives undertaken by the different Star Networks of SMC to the visiting delegation. Dr. Mahmudul Hassan Khan, Senior Manager of SMC-ACTB, presented the highlights of SMC activities under ACTB project. The delegation then visited Master Pharmacy, a Blue Star outlet located at Lalbag, Dhaka to observe the TB referral and documentation process. Further the LON evaluation team visited Janani Pharmacy, a BSP outlet located at Zia Park, Rajshahi, on October 12, 2023 under their ongoing assessment to discuss on different TB service related issues with Mr. Murtoza Reza, the Blue Star Provider. The evaluation team was satisfied with the demonstrated knowledge and capacity of BSPs. They also encouraged the providers to continue their service on TB with more dedication.

Source: Newsletter-47 (October-December), 2023