Our work in Bangladesh focusses on the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. In partnership with the Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development at the University of Leeds and the ARK Foundation, we are aiming to develop, adapt and pilot-test the community dialogues approach for preventing and controlling antibiotic resistance in Bangladesh.

This will involve close collaboration with the Bangladesh Ministry of Health and Welfare to develop an intervention to be embedded within the existing network of community clinics in rural Bangladesh.

Designing the intervention will include:

• Developing key messages to promote rational use of antibiotics
• Establishing selection criteria for the role of volunteers and supporting communities in selecting suitable candidates
• Training volunteers on the rational use of antibiotics and strengthening their facilitation skills
• Providing guidance to volunteers with regard to organising and hosting community dialogues, as well as linking with local community clinics
• Developing tools and materials such as visual flipcharts for use during community dialogues to stimulate discussion within the community