BRAC JPGSPH has been implementing short courses for Bangladesh Health Watch (BHW) since September 2021. So far, JPGSPH has completed three short courses, including one pilot course. The participants who successfully completed the first two short courses titled “Responding to the Pandemic: Voice, Equity and Governance” and/or “Good Governance in the Health Sector” received their course completion certificate during the ceremony on June 4, 2022, at BRAC University Auditorium.

On the occasion, the chief guest was Md Saidur Rahman, Additional Secretary (development), Health Services Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Bangladesh. The special guest was Md. Abdus Salam Khan, Joint Secretary (Planning), Medical Education and Family Welfare Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Bangladesh and Dr. Zahirul Islam, Health Advisor, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh. The chair of the event was Ahmed Mushtaque Raza Chowdhury, Convenor, Bangladesh Health Watch. 

The special guest Md Abdus Salam Khan appreciated the short courses as he thinks this is a good opportunity for people who are interested to work in public health sector. He says, “This school should be popularized worldwide through different campaigns. Across the border, collaboration is needed among other schools of renowned universities of the world. He also stresses that the health ministry and JPGSPH need more collaboration-which will be helpful for both the parties.

The Chief Guest of the occasion, Md Saidur Rahman emphasized need-based education, and also more assessment is needed in this sector.

“People are still quite unfamiliar with Public Health term. First of all, we need to popularize what is public health, particularly for rural communities.”
Dr. Zahirul Islam said, “We need voices, strong voices because voices work a lot. Voices from people will help to do work collaboratively and effectively.”

After the discussion and speeches, the guests handed over the certificates to all the participants. 

Some precious moment can be found here.