The Manoshi Project

The Manoshi project was implemented in 2007 to bring skilled care into the informal settlements of six major cities in Bangladesh, with a particular focus on women and children. Manoshi’s Community Health Workers (CHWs) provide high-quality ANC, delivery care, and PNC to all pregnant women within the community, which includes appropriate family planning methods; connecting women with pre-selected referral facilities when necessary; arranging immunization and other care for under-five children; and creating women’s groups to drive community empowerment. Under Manoshi, ANC and PNC coverage have increased while unattended home births have decreased. While overall results are positive, increased support for Manoshi’s CHWS as well as improved connection with the public health system will be vital for the program’s success moving forward.