A bi-monthly coordination meeting under the ‘Multisectoral Alliance for Improved Nutrition’ (MAIN) project and the Upazila Nutrition Coordination Committee (UNCC) was held in Shantiganj, Sunamganj, to strengthen maternal and child nutrition and address micronutrient deficiencies.
The meeting took place on Monday (April 27) at the FIVDB conference room in the upazila.
Shantiganj Upazila Executive Officer Mohammad Shahjahan chaired the session. Mohammad Nasir Uddin, Deputy Secretary of Community Clinic Health Support Trust, attended as the chief guest.
Special guests included Civil Surgeon Dr. Md. Jasim Uddin Sharifi and Deputy Director of the Institute of Public Health Nutrition Dr. Shyamal Kumar Roy.
At the start, Dr. Subir Khiang Babu presented the MAIN project’s goals and work plan. Hafizul Islam shared an overview of UNCC activities and multisectoral coordination efforts.
Speakers said the project is being implemented through a partnership of Care Bangladesh, HarvestPlus Solutions, iDE Bangladesh, and The Hunger Project. It aims to reduce micronutrient deficiencies among pregnant women and children in 21 upazilas, including Shantiganj, while promoting safe agriculture and improved sanitation (WASH).
They highlighted the importance of expanding biofortified zinc rice and ensuring multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) for pregnant women. Strong coordination among government and private sectors was described as essential to achieving these goals.
The welcome address was delivered by Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Md. Iqbal Hasan. Representatives from partner organizations also spoke, including Prashant Tripura (The Hunger Project), Wahidul Amin (HarvestPlus Solutions), Fatema Jahan Seema (Care Bangladesh), and Ariful Islam (iDE Bangladesh).
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks from Mujibur Rahman. Local officials and stakeholders expressed hope that the initiative would significantly improve nutrition outcomes in Shantiganj.
