On September 19, 2023, Mr. Reed Aeschliman, the Mission Director of USAID Bangladesh, led a delegation that visited the Head Office of SMC. The delegation members were Ms. Carrie Rasmussen, OPHN Director (Office of Population, Health, and Nutrition); Mr. Belay Mengistu, OPHN Deputy Director; Ms. Belien Tadesse, Program Office Director; Ms. Anne Daugherty, OPHN Strategic Communications Advisor; Ms. Taskeen Chowdhury, OPHN Nutrition Specialist and Ms. Israt Nayer, OPHN Family Planning Specialist. 

Following a warm welcome, Mr. Toslim Uddin Khan, Managing Director and CEO of SMC delivered a brief presentation about the operations of SMC and initiated an open discussion with the distinguished guests. The delegation visited SMC's Tele-Jiggasha call center and the Data Protection Hub. Subsequently, the team participated in an ongoing GSM (Gold Star Member) training session held at SMC's Training Room. They had a live discussion with the participants to get insights from them. Mr. Aeschliman highly appreciated the efforts of each GSM and congratulated them for their tireless efforts to improve the health behaviors in the country. 

Mr. Kazi Amirul Haque, DMD-Commercial, SMC EL along with other high officials from SMC and SMC EL accompanied the USAID delegates during their visit. The Mission Director expressed his deep admiration to Mr. Khan for facilitating the knowledge sharing sessions and commended the extensive activities undertaken by SMC throughout the country. He also conveyed his appreciation to SMC officials for their diligent efforts and concluded the visit with a note of gratitude.

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