Bangladesh
Since 1988, Helen Keller Intl has worked in Bangladesh to eliminate barriers to nutrition and healthcare so children and families have the opportunity to realize their true potential. Working hand-in-hand with the government of Bangladesh and partner organizations, we have spent the past three decades working to increase food and nutrition security, control neglected tropical diseases, and protect vision. This includes helping families grow nutritious foods despite extreme weather, protecting mothers and young children against the effects of malnutrition, and training healthcare workers to combat blindness caused by diabetes.
Nearly 2 million Bangladeshi adults are living with diabetic retinopathy, a disease that can cause permanent blindness.
24% of the population is food insecure, exacerbated by the compounding impacts of COVID-19, climate crises, and conflict.
More than 3.3 million adults suffer from uncorrected refractive error, impacting their quality of life and earning power.
Together, we help communities create lasting change by:
Improving awareness of diabetic retinopathy and increase early detection and treatment by training healthcare workers, establishing new clinics, and conducting community education.
Applying a multisectoral approach to improve food insecurity through increased agricultural production, income generation, and knowledge of maternal and child health and nutrition.
Partnering with Bangladesh Garment Manufacturing and Exporters Association to improve vision services for staff in 5 garment factories.
Last year, we helped millions build lasting change
Number of staff: 115
Office opened: 1988
People reached annually: 850,000
Operating budget: $4.5M
Latest stories and headlines from Bangladesh
Our work in Bangladesh is supported by:
European Union; Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; Lavelle Fund for the Blind; United Nations Office for Project Services, USAID
