The Role of the Private Sector in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences From Four Health Systems

As societies urbanize, their populations have become increasingly dependent on the private sector for essential services. The way the private sector responds to health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic can determine the health and economic wellbeing of urban populations, an effect amplified for poorer communities. PDF Version  | HTML Version 
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Effectiveness of interventions to address obesity and health risk behaviours among people with severe mental illness in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs): a systematic review and meta analysis

Effectiveness of interventions to address obesity and health risk behaviours among people with severe mental illness in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs): a systematic review and meta analysis PDF Version  | HTML Version 
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Cost-utility of cytisine for smoking cessation over and above behavioural support in people with newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis: an economic evaluation of a multicentre randomised controlled trial

In 2020, due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, the number of newly diagnosed tuberculosis (TB) case notifications saw a big drop from 2019 while the number of people who died from TB increased due to reduced access to services at global, regional and country levels.1 Bangladesh (218 per 100 000 population) and Pakistan (259
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Vegetables and Fruits Retailers in Two Urban Areas of Bangladesh: Disruption due to COVID-19 and Implications for NCDs

This policy brief is based on a study titled “Vegetables and fruits retailers in two urban areas of Bangladesh: Disruption due to COVID-19 and implications for NCDs” conducted by ARK Foundation, Bangladesh funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada. PDF Version 
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Informal Payments as a Barrier for Fruits and Vegetables Retailing in Bangladesh: Findings from a Mixed Method Study

This policy brief is based on a study titled “Vegetables and fruits retailers in two urban areas of Bangladesh: Disruption due to COVID-19 and implications for NCDs” conducted by ARK Foundation, Bangladesh funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada PDF Version 
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Preparedness of Urban Primary Healthcare Centres of Bangladesh in Managing Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension

This policy brief is based on a study titled “Strengthening the Urban Primary Health Care System to Deliver Essential Non-Communicable Disease Care to the Urban Poor” conducted by ARK Foundation, Bangladesh under the project titled “Community-Led Responsive and Effective Urban Health Systems (CHORUS)” funded by the UK Aid from the UK Government.
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Prevalence of physical health conditions and health risk behaviours in people with severe mental illness in South Asia: multi-country cross-sectional survey

The study aims to estimate the prevalence of physical health conditions and health risk behaviours; assess access to physical healthcare and health risk modification advice in people with severe mental illness attending mental health services in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan; and compare the findings with those of the general population. PDF Version 
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Risk factors associated with overweight and obesity in people with severe mental illness in South Asia: cross-sectional study in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan

Obesity is one of the major contributors to the excess mortality seen in people with severe mental illness (SMI) and in low- and middle-income countries people with SMI may be at an even greater risk. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity and overweight in people with SMI and investigate the
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Co-designing community-based interventions to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR): what to include and why

Co-designing community-based interventions to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR): what to include and why PDF Version  | HTML Version 
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Tobacco use in people with severe mental illness: Findings from a multi-country survey of mental health institutions in South Asia

People with severe mental illness (SMI) tend to die early due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, which may be linked to tobacco use. We conducted a multi-country survey of adults with SMI attending mental health facilities in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. Using data collected with a standardized WHO STEPS survey tool. Smoking prevalence in men
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