This project receives support from the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) and is in partnership with our implementing partner Habitat for Humanity Bangladesh to provide Water, Sanitation and Hygiene kits to keep vulnerable families safe during the pandemic.
Aklima (33), is a housewife who lives with her husband and 3 daughters in Shohidbug slum, Dhaka. Her Husband Md. Romis (38) is a day labourer and earns very little to support his family. Aklima works as an embroiderer to support her family. Her daughters Liza (17) studying in grade 8, Maksuda Lima (12) studying in grade 4, and Aysha (1.3) stays at home.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government declared movement restrictions and countrywide lockdown which impacted their livelihood. Aklima and her family face financial difficulties and struggled to support themselves as there was no scope for work due to the strict lockdown.
Aklima found herself in an extremely difficult position not knowing whether to buy hygiene kits to protect her family from contracting COVID-19 or buy food for her family.
As part of our Water, Sanitation and Hygiene programs in Bangladesh our country partners Habitat for Humanity Bangladesh were able to reach Aklima over a phone call to arrange hygiene kits to be delivered to her and her family.
The Hygiene kit (1 Liquid Hand Sanitizer, 4 pieces Soap, 50 pieces Mask, 1 KG Detergent powder, Plastic bucket with Lid &Tap, Liquid Hand Washing Jar with 2 refill pouches).
Aklima said “We were in fear as COVID-19 infected stain is different from the previous year as the infected to dead ratio has been increasing and reaching the highest daily records yet. We were living in fear and insecurity because of the unavailability of hygiene kits to protect ourselves. We were fortunate that Habitat for Humanity Bangladesh were able to o provide hygiene kits to myself and my family. My family members are regularly using the hygiene kits to stay safe and protected from Coronavirus. We are very thankful to Habitat for this blessing.”
Aklima and her family members are now feeling safe and very happy and practising the precautionary measures for COVID-19.
