Project Title: Strengthening Capacity for Sustainable Disaster Management Network by involving multi-sectoral platform Project Period: 17 January, 2023 – 16 January, 2024 (12 month)
- Project Activities and Accomplishments
Bangladesh is widely recognized as one of the country’s most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to its geographical location, high population density, and socio-economic characteristics. Situated in the delta of three major rivers—the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna—the country is highly exposed to a wide range of climate-induced hazards such as cyclones, floods, storm surges, riverbank erosion, droughts, and salinity intrusion. These hazards are increasing in frequency and intensity as a result of climate change, posing significant threats to lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Recurrent disasters disrupt livelihoods, damage infrastructure, degrade natural resources, and trap vulnerable populations in cycles of poverty and risk. Disaster management efforts in Bangladesh are often implemented through sector-specific interventions, which may lead to fragmented planning, limited coordination, and duplication of efforts among stakeholders. Government agencies, local authorities, NGOs, community organizations, research institutions, and development partners all play important roles in disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation. However, the lack of strong coordination mechanisms and knowledge-sharing platforms can limit the effectiveness and sustainability of interventions.
In this context, a network approach offers a promising pathway to enhance resilience by strengthening collaboration, coordination, and knowledge exchange among multiple stakeholders. A network approach emphasizes partnerships among government institutions, civil society organizations, academic institutions, community groups, and private sector actors to collectively address complex and interconnected challenges posed by climate change and disasters. In Bangladesh, where climate risks intersect with development challenges, strengthening multi-stakeholder networks can play a critical role in transforming vulnerability into resilience. Through improved coordination, shared learning, and collaborative action, a network-based approach can enhance the effectiveness of disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and long-term climate adaptation strategies.
In each division, there is one health worker responsible for conducting home visits to raise awareness within the local community regarding fundamental disaster management issues. These health workers also disseminate crucial information concerning government directives or any disaster-related announcements to the community. As of June 2026, A-PAD Bangladesh has successfully benefited a total of 4,424 individuals.
1. Operation of Emergency Disaster Management Coordination Center/ Sub Centers (Outcome 1)
The Emergency Disaster Management Coordination Centers in the eight divisions will become regional focal points and be strengthened in their functions. New Upazila-level sub-centers will be piloted to provide decentralized support and coordination in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. . | ||
Activities | Outcome Indicators to Measure Results: | Project Status: Achievements vs Outcome: If the activity is behind the schedule, please write the reason. |
1-1 Operation of Emergency Disaster Management Coordination Center and Establishment of Sub Centers Beneficiaries: 15 people×25 days × 8 divisions × 12 months = 36,000 people | 1-1 :Establish sub-centers at the district level and develop basic facilities in all eight emergency disaster management coordination centers in Bangladesh. 36,000 local residents (per year) will visit the facilities, raising awareness of health and public hygiene and strengthening disaster preparedness through coordination among partners. In the event of an actual emergency disaster, rescue and medical support will be provided. (Verification method: Number of users, records of usage) 1-2 :80% of the 4,320 participants respond that they are able to access early warning systems and take action in the event of an actual disaster, through the community meetings in at least 10 unions in each district. (Verification method: Pre- and post-activity questionnaire survey results) 1-3 : 80% of the 4,320 participants respond that they are able to take action appropriately for disaster prevention in | Total 2,434 people visited to the Disaster Management Coordination Center to discuss about disaster preparedness and health related issues. Dhaka: 390 Persons Cox’s Bazar: 410 Persons Pabna: 382 Persons Bagerhat: 360 Persons Patuakhali: 392 Persons Habiganj: 380 Persons Rangpur: 405 Persons Netrokona: 388 Persons Total = 3,107 Persons |
1-2 Community Information System Disaster Awareness Beneficiaries: 15 people × 8 divisions × 3 times ×12 months =4,320 people | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Community Information System Disaster Awareness program in 8 divisional areas where 360 participants joined. Dhaka:15 Participantsx 3 Sessons= 45 Participants Cox’s Bazar: 15 Participantsx 3 Sessons= 45 Participants Pabna: 15 Participantsx 3 Sessons= 45 Participants Bagerhat: 15 Participantsx 3 Sessons= 45 Participants Patuakhali: 15 Participantsx 3 Sessons= 45 Participants Habiganj: 15 Participantsx 3 Sessons= 45 Participants | |
| the event of an actual disaster, understanding disaster risks and vulnerabilities in their residential environments and respond, through mapping conducted during community meetings. (Verification method: P Pre- and post-activity questionnaire survey results) (Outcome 2)Through strengthening multi-sector networks centered on the community, disaster management plans reflecting local risks and needs will be developed, realizing a dramatic improvement in DRR capabilities and disaster resilience. 【Indicators of Outcome】 | Rangpur: 15 Participantsx 3 Sessons= 45 Participants Netrokona: 15 Participants x 3 Sessons= 45 Participants |
1-3 Community Housing Environment Awareness Beneficiaries: 15 people × 8 divisions × 3 times ×12 months =4,320 people | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Community Housing Environment Awareness program in 8 divisional areas where 360 participants joined. Dhaka:15 Participantsx 3 Sessons= 45 Participants Cox’s Bazar: 15 Participantsx 3 Sessons= 45 Participants Pabna: 15 Participantsx 3 Sessons= 45 Participants Bagerhat: 15 Participantsx 3 Sessons= 45 Participants Patuakhali: 15 Participantsx 3 Sessons= 45 Participants Habiganj: 15 Participantsx 3 Sessons= 45 Participants Rangpur: 15 Participantsx 3 Sessons= 45 Participants Netrokona: 15 Participants x 3 Sessons= 45 Participants | |
2. Networking Through Community Disaster Management Systems And Action Plans (Outcome 2) A-PAD BGD, NPF for disaster reduction and disaster response through collaboration between multi-sectors, will be established and expanded, and the disaster prevention and disaster capacity of its member organizations will be strengthened. | ||
2.1 Disaster Planning Networking Meeting Participants: 50 people × 5 villages × 8 divisions = 2,000 people | 【Indicators of Outcome】 2-1 Strategies, mechanism and action plan meeting among networking partners and local communities will be held to support the building of disaster cooperation framework.
2-2 For the aim of awareness and increase the knowledge on disaster preparedness and management among the local community, we will organize different rally and | A-PAD Bangladesh organized disaster planning networking meeting at Cox’s Bazar total 255 participants joined.
20 June 2026, Alirjahal, Total Participants 50 21 June 2026, Mithachary, Total Participants 50+2=52 22 June 2026, Bangla Bazar, Total Participants 50 23 June 2026, Rashid Nagar, Total Participants 50+3=53 24 June 2026, Chakmarkul, Total Participants 50 |
| meeting on the disaster preparedness and SDGs related national/international days like 05 November World Tsunami Awareness Day, 13 October Disaster Risk Reduction Day, 22 April Earth Day and 16 December Victory Day (National).
2-3 For the aim of strengthening of partner organizations, disaster risk reduction (DRR) training will be held. The training contents includes community-based disaster risk management, planning DRR strategies, and risk analysis that effectively identifies hazards, capacities and vulnerabilities. (Indicator: Partner organizations)
2-4 In this seminar, participants from various fields will be invited to exchange opinions and discuss ways to discover innovations related to DRR proposed by community residents and local companies and realize ideas and inventions. (Indicator: To create innovative solutions, we aim to create a successful model for disaster response by combining technology and knowledge that transcends fields and innovating)
2-5 The international symposium will be held in Dhaka |
Five Disaster Planning Network Meetings were organized in selected disaster-prone communities of Cox’s Bazar to strengthen community-based disaster preparedness, coordination and resilience. The meetings brought together community leaders, local representatives, disaster management volunteers, women, youth and other relevant stakeholders to identify major local hazards, assess vulnerabilities and capacities, and develop practical preparedness measures. Key discussions focused on cyclone, flash flood, landslide, heavy rainfall and waterlogging risks, early warning dissemination, evacuation and shelter preparedness, emergency health and first aid, search and rescue, WASH, and protection of vulnerable groups. Participants also identified gaps in communication, emergency resources, volunteer capacity and coordination and proposed locally appropriate solutions. The meetings strengthened community awareness and ownership of disaster preparedness while establishing a foundation for improved coordination among communities, local authorities, volunteers and humanitarian actors. The outcomes will contribute to strengthening community-level disaster preparedness, promoting early action and enhancing the capacity of vulnerable communities to respond effectively to future emergencies. |
| to widely share the cooperation between multi-actors at the central and regional levels in Bangladesh and the progress of the emergency health response system among participants who are involved in disaster response from inside and outside Bangladesh. International experts will be dispatched from A-PAD member countries to introduce advanced cases of NPF in each country. (Indicator: The international symposium will be held for a total of three days, one day for field trips (field visits), one day for pre-meetings, and one day for international symposiums.) | Key Outcomes
The five Disaster Planning Network Meetings generated several important outcomes:
· Increased community awareness of local disaster risks. · Improved understanding of disaster preparedness responsibilities. · Identification of major local hazards and vulnerable groups. · Identification of existing community capacities and resources. · Strengthened communication among community stakeholders. · Increased recognition of the importance of early warning and early action. · Identification of gaps in evacuation, shelter, health, WASH and emergency response. · Increased participation of women, youth and other vulnerable groups in disaster planning. · Development of practical recommendations for community-level preparedness. · Strengthened foundation for continued networking among disaster management stakeholders. |
2.2 Comprehensive DRR Training for Network Partner Partici pants:25 people × 2 | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Comprehensive DRR Training for Network Partner at Patuakhali where 50 persons have participated. |
organizations × 2 times × 8 divisions = 800 people |
| 13-14 June 2026, Patuakhali, Total Participants 50
Comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Training was organized in Patuakhali to strengthen the knowledge, skills, and operational capacity of network partner organizations and community-level stakeholders in disaster preparedness and risk reduction. The training covered key areas including multi-hazard risk assessment, disaster preparedness and contingency planning, early warning and early action, community-based disaster risk reduction, emergency response coordination, climate change adaptation, evacuation and shelter management, search and rescue, first aid, protection and inclusion, and coordination among local stakeholders. Through interactive presentations, group discussions, practical exercises, case studies, and experience-sharing sessions, participants enhanced their understanding of disaster risks and developed practical approaches for integrating DRR into their organizational and community activities. The training also emphasized the importance of strengthening local networks, sharing information, mobilizing community resources, and ensuring timely and coordinated action before, during, and after disasters.
Outcome
The training resulted in improved DRR knowledge and preparedness capacity among network partners, enabling participants to better identify local hazards, assess vulnerabilities and risks, develop preparedness and |
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| response measures, and coordinate with relevant stakeholders during emergencies. Participants demonstrated increased awareness of early warning and early action mechanisms, community-based preparedness, emergency coordination, and inclusive disaster response. The training further strengthened the network partners’ capacity to support community-level DRR initiatives and contribute more effectively to coordinated emergency response and resilient community development in Patuakhali. |
2.3 Co-creation Seminar on Innovating Together for Future Disaster Preparedness (DRR Participants:50 people x 2 org x 8 divisions x 2 times =960 people | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Co-creation Seminar on Innovating Together for Future Disaster Preparedness at Netrokona where 50 persons have participated
07 June 2026, Netrokona, Total Participants 50
Co-Creation Seminar on “Innovating Together for Future Disaster Preparedness” was organized in Netrokona to strengthen collaborative approaches to disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and resilient community development. The seminar brought together representatives from local government, disaster management stakeholders, community leaders, network partners, volunteers, civil society organizations, and other relevant actors to share experiences, identify emerging disaster risks, and jointly explore practical and innovative solutions. Discussions focused on strengthening community-based preparedness, improving early warning and early action mechanisms, enhancing coordination among stakeholders, promoting inclusive disaster risk |
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| reduction, and utilizing local knowledge, technology, and community resources for effective disaster management. Participants identified key gaps in preparedness and response capacity and collectively proposed actions to improve communication, emergency coordination, resource mobilization, volunteer engagement, and community resilience.
Outcome:
Enhanced Understanding of Disaster Risks: Participants identified key local hazards, vulnerabilities, and emerging risks affecting communities in Netrokona and discussed appropriate preparedness measures.
Improved Early Warning and Early Action: Participants discussed practical ways to strengthen risk communication, early warning dissemination, and timely early action at community level.
Network Sustainability Enhanced: The seminar strengthened the foundation for continued engagement among network partners beyond individual projects and emergencies. |
2-4 International Symposium on DRR
Participants:200 persons |
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3. Empowering Vulnerable Communities through Comprehensive Disaster Preparedness Training | ||
(Outcome 3) 3-1 Capacity Building for Community Level Disaster Response in Health and Hygiene | ||
3-1 a) Integrated Emergency Disaster Response Workshop Participants : 30 people ( 2days ) × 2 times× 8 divisions =480 people | 【Indicator of Outcome】 3-1 a) Workshops will be held to understand emergency disaster preparedness, health response and hygiene needs in communities, schools and homes and to learn how to respond during emergencies. Networks of stakeholders will be built through the workshop.
(Indicator: Local citizens, Community leaders, Local NGO, Private sector workers) b) Workshop for health workers from local organizations will be held to understand emergency health and hygiene needs and learn how to respond to emergencies. The health workers who finished this trainings are supposed to become member of disaster volunteer rescue team in the activity. | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Integrated Emergency Disaster Response Workshop at Habiganj where 33 persons have participated.
27-28 June 2026, Habiganj, Total Participants 30+3=33
Integrated Emergency Disaster Response Workshop was organized in Habiganj to strengthen the capacity of local disaster management stakeholders, community representatives, volunteers, and network partners to effectively coordinate and respond to emergencies. The workshop focused on developing a common understanding of emergency preparedness, coordinated response mechanisms, rapid needs assessment, search and rescue, emergency medical support, evacuation and shelter management, communication, and referral mechanisms. Participants discussed the major hazards and vulnerabilities affecting Habiganj and identified practical measures to improve preparedness and community-level response capacity. The workshop also emphasized the importance of coordination among government authorities, NGOs, health service providers, community-based organizations, volunteers, and other response actors to ensure timely, inclusive, and effective emergency assistance. |
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Outcome |
Improved emergency response knowledge: Participants enhanced their understanding of integrated emergency disaster response principles, roles, responsibilities, and standard response procedures. Strengthened coordination: Improved coordination and communication mechanisms were identified among government agencies, NGOs, network partners, volunteers, health providers, and community representatives. Enhanced preparedness: Participants identified priority | ||
preparedness actions for major local hazards, including | ||
emergency planning, resource mapping, evacuation | ||
arrangements, and community awareness. | ||
3-1 b) Mental Health Training | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Mental Health Training at Rangpur where 25 persons have participated. | |
Participants:25 people(3 days ) × 8 divisions = 200 people | 06-08 August 2026, Rangpur, Total Participants 25+2=27
Key Outcomes Improved understanding of disaster-related mental health: Participants developed a better understanding of common psychological and emotional consequences of disasters and emergencies. Enhanced Psychological First Aid capacity: Participants gained practical knowledge and skills to provide immediate, humane, and supportive assistance to distressed individuals. |
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| Improved identification of vulnerable people: Participants strengthened their ability to identify individuals and groups requiring additional psychosocial or specialized mental health support. Strengthened referral capacity: Participants became more familiar with the importance of appropriate referral to qualified health and mental health service providers when specialized care is required. |
3-2 Strengthening Local Communities’ Emergency Response through Disaster Drill | ||
3-2 a) Women’s Emergency Response Simulation Drill Participants:25 people(2 days)× 2 times× 8 divisions =400 people | 3-2 a) Building women empower and capacity building through improving their knowledge and skills on disaster risk reduction, in order to involve them in disaster planning and policy making. A women’s group will be trained in the field of maternal and child health, hygiene and environment sanitation, nutrition. (Indicator: A women’s group will be trained in the field of maternal and child health, hygiene and environment sanitation, nutrition.)
b) Drilling training session will be conduct to the local stakeholders, youth group and homes and to learn how to respond the fire, flood, cyclone, landslide and earthquake disasters and rescue at the emergencies. To conduct this training session, we will prepare a training manual and a curriculum collaboration with the department of fire service and civil defense of GoB. | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Women’s Emergency Response Simulation Drill at Bagerhat and Pabna where 52 persons have participated.
10-11 June 2026, Pabna, Total Participants 25+2=27 15-16 June 2026, Bagerhat, Total Participants 25
Women’s Emergency Response Simulation Drill at Pabna was organized to strengthen the preparedness, confidence, and practical response capacity of women in managing disaster and emergency situations. The simulation provided participants with hands-on experience in emergency preparedness, early warning, evacuation procedures, basic first aid, safe shelter management, communication, and coordination with community responders. The exercise emphasized the important role of women as first responders and decision-makers at household and community levels, while promoting inclusive and gender- |
| (Indicator: After the practical training session two disaster volunteer rescue team will be established in each divisional area.)
c) Drilling training session for the public junior high school students and teachers will conduct at the school based focusing self-protection during and after disaster. Manual will be designed for the school children in cooperation with the department of fire service and civil defense of GoB (Indicator: Participated schools will be supported to develop their emergency management plans.) In order to widely share and disseminate the activities of this project and the experiences and lessons learned through the activities, situation reports and activity reports in the event of a disaster will be published on the A-PAD BGD website. | responsive disaster risk reduction. Participants practiced responding to a simulated emergency scenario, identified operational challenges, and discussed ways to improve community-level preparedness and coordination.
Key Outcomes: · Enhanced women’s knowledge and practical skills in emergency response and preparedness. · Increased confidence of women to act as first responders during disasters. · Improved understanding of early warning, evacuation, communication, and basic emergency procedures. · Strengthened coordination and teamwork among women participants, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
Women’s Emergency Response Simulation Drill at Bagerhat was conducted to strengthen the preparedness, practical response skills, and leadership capacity of women in disaster and emergency situations. The simulation provided participants with hands-on experience in responding to a realistic emergency scenario, including early warning dissemination, evacuation, basic first aid, emergency communication, safe shelter management, and coordination with community volunteers and relevant stakeholders. The exercise highlighted the critical role of women as first responders and community leaders, particularly in supporting children, older persons, persons |
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| with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups during disasters. Through practical demonstrations and teamwork, participants were able to identify response gaps, improve decision-making, and strengthen their confidence to take timely action during emergencies.
Key Outcomes:
· Improved women’s practical knowledge and confidence in emergency response and preparedness. · Strengthened women’s leadership and participation in community-level disaster risk reduction. · Enhanced understanding of early warning, evacuation, first aid, communication, and shelter management. · Improved coordination and teamwork among women volunteers, community leaders, and other responders. |
b) Inclusive Simulation Drill for Empowering Youth, Stakeholders, and Persons with Disabilities Participants:45 persons x 8 divisions x 2 times = 720 persons | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Inclusive Simulation Drill for Empowering Youth, Stakeholders, and Persons with Disabilities at Habiganj and Netrokona where 90 persons have participated.
14-15 June 2026, Habiganj, Total Participants 45 28-29 June 2026, Netrokona, Total Participants 45 |
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| Habiganj Inclusive Simulation Drill for Empowering Youth, Stakeholders, and Persons with Disabilities was organized in Habiganj to strengthen community preparedness, inclusive disaster response capacity, and coordination among different groups before, during, and after emergencies. The drill provided participants with practical experience in emergency warning dissemination, evacuation procedures, safe movement to designated assembly points, basic search and rescue, first aid, communication, and coordination with local responders. Particular attention was given to the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities, ensuring that emergency procedures considered mobility, communication, accessibility, and other specific needs. Youth participants were encouraged to take active roles as volunteers and community responders, while local stakeholders strengthened their understanding of coordination and resource mobilization during disasters. The exercise also helped identify gaps in existing preparedness arrangements and promoted a more inclusive, community-centered approach to disaster risk reduction in Habiganj. |
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Key Outcomes
· Enhanced practical preparedness: Participants gained hands-on experience in evacuation, emergency response, first aid, and basic rescue procedures. · Strengthened youth engagement: Youth demonstrated improved confidence and readiness to serve as community-level disaster volunteers. · Improved disability inclusion: The drill highlighted the specific needs and capacities of persons with disabilities in emergency preparedness and response. · Better stakeholder coordination: Government representatives, community leaders, volunteers, youth, and other stakeholders practiced coordinated emergency response and communication.
Netrokona:
Inclusive Simulation Drill for Empowering Youth, Stakeholders, and Persons with Disabilities was conducted in Netrokona to strengthen community-level disaster preparedness, inclusive emergency response, and coordination among key stakeholders. The simulation provided participants with practical experience in emergency warning dissemination, evacuation, safe movement to designated assembly points, basic first aid, search and rescue, emergency communication, and coordination with local response actors. Youth participants were engaged as active community volunteers, while |
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| persons with disabilities were included throughout the exercise to ensure that emergency procedures reflected their specific accessibility, communication, mobility, and safety requirements. Local stakeholders, community leaders, volunteers, and other participants worked together to identify response responsibilities and improve coordination during emergencies. The exercise also provided an opportunity to identify gaps in existing preparedness arrangements and promote a more inclusive and people-centered approach to disaster risk reduction in Netrokona.
Key Outcomes · Improved emergency preparedness: Participants strengthened practical knowledge and skills in evacuation, first aid, emergency communication, and basic response procedures. · Empowered youth volunteers: Youth gained greater confidence to support early warning dissemination, evacuation, first aid, and community emergency response. · Strengthened disability inclusion: The drill demonstrated the importance of accessible evacuation routes, appropriate communication, assistance mechanisms, and active participation of persons with disabilities. · Enhanced stakeholder coordination: Government representatives, community leaders, youth, volunteers, and other stakeholders improved their |
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| understanding of roles and responsibilities during emergencies. |
3-2 c) Junior High School Simulation Drill Participants:40 people(2 |
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days ) × 2 times × 8 | ||
divisions = 640 people | ||
3-2 d) Emergency Medical Response Network Drill Participants:40 people(2 | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Emergency Medical Response Network Drill at Rangpur where 40 persons have participated. | |
days ) × 2 times × 8 | 10-11 June 2026, Rangpur, Total Participants 40 | |
divisions = 640 people |
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| Rangpur: | |
| Emergency Medical Response Network Drill was conducted in Rangpur to strengthen the preparedness, coordination, and operational capacity of medical responders and network partners during disasters and other emergencies. The drill simulated a coordinated emergency medical response scenario in which participants practiced rapid mobilization, incident communication, patient assessment, |
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| first aid, emergency triage, referral, transportation, and coordination among health service providers, volunteers, community representatives, and relevant stakeholders.
The exercise provided participants with practical experience in establishing an effective emergency medical response chain from the community level to health facilities. Particular emphasis was placed on timely information sharing, identification of urgent medical needs, prioritization of casualties, provision of immediate lifesaving support, safe patient referral, and effective coordination between responders and medical facilities. Participants also practiced maintaining communication during an emergency and clarifying the roles and responsibilities of different members of the response network.
Key Outcomes · Improved emergency preparedness: Participants strengthened their practical knowledge and readiness to respond to disaster-related medical emergencies. · Enhanced coordination: Coordination among health workers, volunteers, community representatives, and network partners was strengthened through practical simulation. · Improved emergency triage: Participants gained practical experience in rapidly assessing and prioritizing patients according to the severity of their conditions. |
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| · Strengthened first-response capacity: Responders improved their ability to provide immediate first aid and basic emergency medical support before referral. |
3-3 Update website contents as E-resources for Disaster Management | https://apad-bd.org/a-pad-bangladesh-activity-report-month-of-may-2026/ https://apad-bd.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/1-1.webp https://apad-bd.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2-1.webp https://apad-bd.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/3-1.webp https://apad-bd.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/4-1.webp https://apad-bd.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/5-1.webp |
- Challenges
- Practice in collaboration with A-PAD Bangladesh Network Partners Please write good practice in collaboration with partner organizations
- Any contribution Funds Received and Grants Applied / Planned and Implemented Projects by CIS including Emergency Response Please write Projects name and its fund resources
- Relationship with Bangladesh Government and Japanese Embassy Please write about Meeting with Government officials
