Bangladesh

With over 170 million inhabitants, Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with 43% of Bangladeshis earning less than one euro a day. As tuberculosis is highly prevalent in Bangladesh, – fighting this disease is at the top of Damien Foundation’s agenda. We developed an adapted TB treatment scheme in 2016, known as the ‘Bangladesh regime’. The World Health Organization has also identified Bangladesh as one of 22 priority countries for leprosy.

Our impact in 2025

Shorter treatment for multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis

In the late 1990s, Dr Armand Van Deun worked for Damien Foundation in Bangladesh. He observed how many young people with multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis were dying despite the existing second-line drugs. He wanted to find a treatment that struck a perfect balance between tolerance and effectiveness.

With a great deal of patience, Dr Van Deun and the local teams established the ideal combination of drugs. This new treatment took only nine months (in contrast to 24 previously); it was cheaper and also better tolerated by patients. The ‘Bangladesh regime’ was born. In 2016, this treatment was also officially recommended by the World Health Organization.

Many of the patients with tuberculosis are textile workers

A large number of TB patients are employed in the textile industry. Countless young girls leave their rural regions for these factories which make clothing for major western fashion chains. Working and living conditions leave much to be desired, and the factories are breeding grounds for disease.

Tuberculosis is more common here than in other parts of Bangladesh. If no action is taken, more and more people will become infected. This is why we provide the necessary healthcare in factories in our project location, as well as surrounding areas.