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One-fifth of the total population of Bangladesh, approximately 36 million, are adolescents. This group often lacks knowledge and has limited access to healthcare services. Due to a variety of factors, girls have insufficient dietary diversity, meaning that they do not eat a healthy diet, resulting in one-fifth of the total being at risk for malnutrition In addition, 45% of adolescent girls practice unhealthy menstrual hygiene management which makes them even more vulnerable. Studies show that to grow and develop healthfully and with good knowledge and optimal practices, adolescents need to receive age-appropriate comprehensive education on food and nutrition, personal and menstrual hygiene and water and sanitation sexual and reproductive health (SRH), how and when to seek healthcare providers, mental health and protection.
To improve the situation Joint Action for Nutrition Outcome (JANO) has been working to “Contribute to ending malnutrition of children under five years of age, together with addressing the nutritional needs of Pregnant and Lactating Women (PLW) and adolescent girls”. The project has been working in two districts in the Northern part of Bangladesh: Rangpur and Nilphamari; covering seven Upazilas and 64 unions. These areas were chosen because they were one of the two most vulnerable districts, with a stunting rate of 42.1%. This five-year project has been implemented in the field with funding support from the European Union (EU) and co-funded by Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC). The consortium is led by CARE International, Plan International, and the Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO).