2. Helping you live better

3. IntroductionIntroduction  Blue Star is a network of private sector providers managed by Social Marketing Company (SMC) Bangladesh since 1998  Blue Star was set up to actively engage the private sector in the delivery of Family Planning and other health services of public health priorities since a vast majority of the population depend on them for their health needs specially for most vulnerable people : children and women.

4.  Expansion of Network: 1. Recruitment (BS provider selection as per set criteria, review and final selection for Blue Star Network) 2. Over 6000 Blue Star providers in the network 3. Training ( Blue Star Basic and Refresher training, TB DOTS Training, Diabetes and Hypertension Training, Training on mobile health services)  Expansion of Services: 1. Contraceptive SOMA-JECT (DMPA injectable : Suspected TB case referral, DOTS; MNCH and LAPM referral; Screening, counseling, prevention and primary management of Diabetes and Hypertension) Strategy

5.  Expansion of Partnership : 1. Government : Collaborative partnership with Clinical Contraceptive Service Delivery Program under Directorate General of Family Planning, Ministry of Health, People’s Republic of Bangladesh 1. Development Partners (DPs): Partnership with Pathfinder (Smiling Sun Clinics), IFRCC, Swiss Contact, DNet (MAMA)  Product Positioning: 1. Promotional activity through Local and Mass media 2. Ensuring product availability through sales officers across the country Contd……

6.  Expansion of quality assurance activity: 1. Supportive supervision through decentralized program officers for better catering of providers’ local need for effective service delivery 2. Regular monthly basis reporting to Head Office and timely feedback to the providers to streamline the ongoing efforts 3. Alignment with current practice, policies and skills of providers through utilization of regional w/shop Contd……

7.  Widely accessible: over 6000 providers in the network  Only provider offering Injectable contraceptive in the private sector  Represents approx. 25% of all contraceptive Injectable used in the country  Low turnover of providers ( 3% per year)  Government and SMC jointly conducts Training and Monitoring Blue Star Network and its impact

8. Potential for Future  Can play a significant role in expanding the use of Long Acting FP methods (IUD, Implant)  Able to effectively contribute in Child mortality and morbidity through introduction of IMCI  Can be used as a referral network for other tertiary level services for communicable diseases - HIV/AIDS, Malaria and NTDs (filariasis, leprosy)  Service expansion into other emerging public health issues: dengue, swine flue, nipa virus, anthrax  Improved sustainability through introduction of higher margin products and services