Foodstuff Support to Gold Star Members (GSM) of CWFD-MISHD Project

Foodstuff & Cash distribution to Flash Flood affected GSMs of MISHD Project

CWFD started the MISHD project in 2012 which is funded by USAID through Social Marketing Company (SMC). The project is being implementing in 20 Upazilas of 07 Districts, namely, Faridpur, Madaripur, Barishal, Jhalokathi, Pirojpur Chandpur and Gopalganj. This project has been working towards achieving three intermediate results (IRs). As one of the consortium partners, CWFD is responsible to achieve intermediate result (IR) 2 by implementing Notun Din community mobilization program under this project which is improved adoption of healthy behavior and practice by families and communities through effective BCC and media reaches. 

The Gold Star Members (GSM) are the most significant part of the MISHD Project. They play a vital role at the community level increasing the knowledge of community people on Family Planning, hygiene, as well as distributing essential health products through household visits. The ultimate objective of the project is to support GSMs in becoming sustainable small entrepreneurs. The month of August 2024 saw simultaneous heavy rain in Northeast India, Tripura, Assam and Meghalaya. Subsequently, water overflowed as the gates of hydropower plants, barrages and dams were opened. The upstream flow crossed the danger level at 14 points in seven transboundary rivers of Bangladesh. Many flood-control dams, including the one on Gomati, have collapsed. Flash floods in Bangladesh, triggered by heavy rainfall and upstream water flows from India, have had a devastating impact on communities across 11 districts in the eastern regions of the country such as; Feni, Cumilla, Noakhali, Khagrachari, Habiganj, Chandpur, Cox’s Bazar, Lakshmipur, Chattogram, Brahmanbaria and Moulavibazar have flooded. According to the National Disaster Response Coordination Center (NDRCC), some 5.8 million people in the northeastern and southeastern regions have been affected and more than 1 million people are in communities cut off by the flooding. A reported 502,501 people are displaced in 3403 evacuation shelters. Rural roads, agricultural fields and fishponds have been submerged, cutting off essential access and severely impacting livelihoods. A total of 3,114,192 hectares of crops have been affected by the floods. Loss of fisheries is USD 122 million and livestock loss are USD 34 million. A total number of deaths is 52 by Drowning, Electrocution, injury, Diarrhea, acute respiratory infection, snakebites etc. Over 35,000 people have been marooned in 31 Unions of Chandpur district due to four days of torrential rain. Several areas of the city are waterlogged due to the floodwater.

Since August 2024, GSMs and staff in Chandpur district have faced significant operational disruptions due to the cyclone. Frequent field visits and community mobilization activities have ceased, and the damaged homes have left GSMs unable to sell health products. With their husbands also at home, family income has sharply decreased, creating a pressing need for economic or food support. We recognize that the women working as Gold Star Members (GSMs) come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. They joined our program with the goal of achieving self-reliance and contribute significantly to their families through the income earned from selling SMC products. Many GSMs rely solely on these sales to support their households. In the current crisis, these members are understandably fearful of leaving their homes, which has led to substantial financial hardship. Despite their best efforts to continue their work under these challenging conditions, they are experiencing considerable losses.

Given the current crisis, SMC has extended food and cash assistance to 140 GSMs who affected by flash flood in the four upazila of Chandpur district such as; Hajiganj, Kachua, Shahrasti and Faridganj upazila. CWFD received cash amount of BDT. 700,000 (Seven Lacs only) from SMC and  distributed BDT. 5,000 (Five Thousand) Taka to each flash flood affected GSM of  the flash flood affected GSMs. The foodstuff and cash distribution took place within September 15-23 in four upazila of Chandpur district.

The distribution of food assistance by SMC brought a sense of festivity and relief among the Gold Star Members (GSMs). The expressions of joy and gratitude were evident on everyone’s faces. We extend our heartfelt thanks to USAID, SMC and SMC-EL management for their prompt and compassionate response to the needs of our GSMs affected by flash flood. This timely support was crucial in addressing the immediate food needs of those impacted by the crisis.