On 23 July 2026, SERAC-Bangladesh, with support from the GHAI Advocacy Accelerator, convened a National Consultation to advance the sustainable integration of the Volunteer Peer Leader (VPL) Model into Adolescent-Friendly Health Centers (AFHCs) across Bangladesh. The consultation served as a significant platform for government officials, development partners, youth representatives, and health professionals to discuss practical pathways for institutionalizing the VPL Model within the national health system.
The consultation was chaired by Dr. Syed Kamrul Islam, Director (PHC & ITHC), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), and Chair of the Technical Working Group. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of strengthening adolescent-friendly healthcare services through coordinated government leadership, evidence-based planning, and sustainable implementation mechanisms.
Welcoming the participants, SM Shaikat, Executive Director of SERAC-Bangladesh, highlighted the impact of the Volunteer Peer Leader Model in addressing human resource gaps within Adolescent-Friendly Health Centers. He noted that trained VPLs have played a vital role in connecting adolescents with accurate health information, counseling, referral services, and psychosocial support while fostering trust between young people and healthcare providers.
During the consultation, Dr. Asif Iqbal, Assistant Director (School Health), DGHS, and Focal Person of the Technical Working Group, presented ongoing government initiatives aimed at strengthening adolescent health coordination. He discussed the progress toward developing policy guidance, standardized operational frameworks, and sustainable financing mechanisms necessary for the nationwide institutionalization of the VPL Model.
Throughout the discussion, participants underscored the need for a comprehensive implementation framework supported by clearly defined Terms of Reference (ToR), policy endorsement, standardized operational guidelines, and adequate financial planning. They also recognized that Volunteer Peer Leaders can play a critical role in addressing social and cultural barriers that often prevent adolescents from accessing timely, confidential, and youth-friendly healthcare services, including mental health support.
The consultation brought together representatives from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Directorate General of Family Planning (DGFP), current and former Volunteer Peer Leaders of SERAC-Bangladesh, development partners, and members of the national media. The diverse participation encouraged meaningful dialogue and strengthened collaboration toward building a more inclusive and responsive adolescent health system in Bangladesh.
Representing SERAC-Bangladesh at the consultation were Md. Salim Miah, Deputy Director (Program); Shahina Yasmin, Program Lead; Songita Sarker, Program Manager; Md. Nazmul Hasan, Project Manager (AHA); Lutfa Pathan, Project Manager (SHIFT); Md. Najmul Islam, Associate Finance and Administration Officer; Faria Sultana Trina, Program Associate; and Enamul Haque Rony, IT & Communication Associate.
The National Consultation reaffirmed the shared commitment of government institutions, civil society organizations, youth leaders, and development partners to strengthen adolescent-friendly health services across Bangladesh. By promoting the sustainable integration of the Volunteer Peer Leader Model into Adolescent-Friendly Health Centers, stakeholders are working toward a future where every adolescent has equitable access to quality, inclusive, and compassionate healthcare, including essential mental health services.
As the dialogue moves forward, SERAC-Bangladesh remains committed to collaborating with government and partners to transform evidence into action, empower young people as agents of change, and ensure that no adolescent is left behind in accessing the healthcare and support they deserve.