Revisiting the ARI Programme of BRAC: How Well are We Doing?

The ARI (Acute Respiratory Infection) control programme of BRAC has been in operation for the last few years. No independent evaluation has so far been conducted to explore how far the objectives of the programme have been achieved in terms of raising awareness among the health workers and community people, especially mother/caregivers about ARI, increasing capacity of health workers in managing ARI cases in the community, and changing health-seeking behaviour of mothers for appropriate and quick treatment. This is a cross-sectional populationbased study comparing groups with or without ARI programmes. The study was conducted in 30 upazilas where BRAC ARI control programme is being implemented since 2007. In addition, 10 upazilas were selected from adjacent programme areas to serve as control. The study included 2,800 mothers, 1,440 children with ARI symptoms, and 238 community health workers who were actively involved in the implementation of the ARI programme.