From May 6 to 10, TEPHINET Project Manager Lesley Guyot conducted a site visit to the Bangladesh FETP, which is hosted by the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) in Dhaka. On a yearly basis, the TEPHINET Secretariat is funded by CDC and other funders to provide specific types of operational support to various FETPs, such as the program in Bangladesh. Site visits like these are critical to maintaining strong relationships with the program staff as well as other partners within country.

While in Dhaka, Guyot had the pleasure of meeting with Bangladesh FETP and IMPACT program staff, Ministry of Health and CDC staff, FETP fellows, and TEPHINET consultants working with the program.

“Overall, I was struck by the commitment the fellows displayed towards the program and their strong desire to maximize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” says Guyot. “It was also clear that the technical consultants are passionate about FETP and growing the program and want to be a part of its continuation and success.”

So far, the program has had two cohorts and one graduate.

“It’s exciting to support a program that’s still relatively young,” says Guyot. “All new programs have challenges, but I’m happy to report that the program in Bangladesh is on the right track.”