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Why is BRAC's oral rehydration therapy called a secret weapon for saving lives?
BRAC (full name: Building Resources Across Communities), as one of the world's largest non-governmental development organizations, has been committed to improving the quality of life in the world's poorest communities since its establishment in 1972. BRAC's original mission was to rebuild communities in newly independent Bangladesh, but as it grew, its scope expanded, with one of its key achievements being the development of oral rehydration therapy (ORS), a simple yet effective treatment. It is still considered a secret weapon to save lives.
“Oral rehydration therapy is more than just medicine; it’s hope, especially in the face of illness.”
In the 1970s, diarrhoea was the leading cause of death among children in Bangladesh. The vision of BRAC's founder, Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, led the organization to launch the Oral Therapy Extension Program (OTEP) in 1979 in the then rural village of Sulla. The core of this program is educating rural mothers to prepare oral rehydration solutions using easily available ingredients.
In this way, BRAC has successfully popularized ORS across the country, providing tens of millions of families with a simple and effective treatment for diarrhea. Fifteen years later, 80% of the trained mothers were able to correctly prepare this safe and effective rehydration solution, which is among the highest rates in the world.
"This program has not only saved millions of lives, it has also changed the way people think about health and disease."
Let's take a closer look at the impact of BRAC's oral rehydration therapy. BRAC's work is not only about treating diseases, but also about changing people's perception of health. With the promotion of ORS, women and children in the community, especially those living in poor areas, have been able to reduce mortality caused by diarrhea. In fact, BRAC's influence has gone beyond the country, and many other countries have also borrowed this model to form a global strategy to fight diarrhea.
In addition, ORS's simplicity is also key to its success. Compared to traditional medical approaches, ORS does not rely on expensive drugs or advanced medical facilities, making it more accessible to poor communities. Mothers only need to follow a simple formula to quickly and effectively provide their sick children with the treatment they need. The success of this model demonstrates the importance of community-based health interventions in areas prone to conflict and natural disasters.
"Oral rehydration therapy has become a successful case in the world for combating water loss and has had a profound impact on the healthcare industry."
Today, BRAC's oral rehydration therapy has been successfully expanded to more than 130 countries, and its impact and acceptance demonstrate the importance of this approach in global health. BRAC has not only built a strong public health system in Bangladesh, but has also secured a place in global health strategies, promoting continued public health education and preventive measures.
As the world continues to fight diarrhea and other health problems caused by water loss, how will BRAC's approach influence future public health policy?
