On 21st April, 2026, the follow-up meeting of the Technical Working Group (TWG) on the integration of the Volunteer Peer Leader (VPL) model was successfully held at the MCH Unit of the Directorate General of Family Planning (DGFP), Kawran Bazar, Dhaka, under the Adolescent Health Access: Peer-Led SRH Initiative, supported by the Commonwealth Foundation and organized by SERAC-Bangladesh.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, TWG members, and representatives from SERAC-Bangladesh to strengthen coordination and further advance the implementation of the Adolescent Health Access: Peer-Led SRH Initiative. The session served as an important platform to review progress since the inception meeting and to align on actionable next steps for effective implementation.
Discussions highlighted the importance of youth-led approaches, collaborative planning, and sustained multi-stakeholder engagement to improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services across Bangladesh.
A key focus of the meeting was the institutionalization of the Volunteer Peer Leader (VPL) model within Adolescent Friendly Health Centres (AFHCs) under DGFP and DGHS. Through strengthened policy integration and enhanced collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the initiative aims to increase demand for SRH services among marginalized adolescents while ensuring more responsive and youth-friendly service delivery.
The meeting was graced by Dr. Ashrafi Ahmed, Director General of DGFP, as Chief Guest, and was chaired by Dr. Nasir Ahmed, Director, MCH-Services Unit. It brought together representatives from DGFP, civil society organizations, Volunteer Peer Leaders (VPLs), and other TWG members, who actively contributed valuable insights and recommendations to guide the initiative forward.
The session commenced with a welcome address by SM Shaikat, Executive Director of SERAC-Bangladesh, followed by a presentation on the integration of the VPL model into AFHCs and the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the TWG by Md. Nazmul Hasan, Project Manager. The Technical Working Group was formally introduced by Md. Salim Mia, Deputy Director (Programme), SERAC-Bangladesh, with overall coordination and support provided by Faria Sultana Trina, Communication Officer, and Md. Nazmul Islam, Finance and Admin Officer.
The session concluded with a synthesis of key discussions and consensus on the way forward for implementation. A formal vote of thanks was delivered by Md. Salim Miah, Deputy Director (Programme). Overall, the meeting marked a significant milestone in strengthening multi-stakeholder coordination and advancing the institutionalization of youth-led SRH approaches in Bangladesh.