Transforming Kalikapur Union: A Story of Change

Kalikapur Union, in Patuakhali District’s Sadar Upazila, faced persistent challenges in improving child nutrition despite its vibrant community of 16,111 people. With 1,281 children under five (U5), 225 were identified as stunted, and the Union lacked a dedicated WASH or nutrition budget, urgent action was needed. Though Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) existed, they lacked involvement in addressing maternal and child nutrition. 

Right2Grow’s Intervention 

In April 2022, the Right2Grow project introduced the concept of a Healthy Union through an inception meeting with the Union Parishad (UP). With technical support, the UP Chairman took leadership, prioritizing services for U5 children and their mothers. CSOs were mobilized, gaining training in advocacy, budget monitoring, and community engagement. 

Recognizing the link between hygiene and nutrition absorption, the UPs held open budget meetings, leading to a BDT 150,000 child-specific nutrition budget (2023-2024)-the first in the Union’s history. Ten vulnerable households with stunted children received nutrition support. Building on this success, BDT 100,000 was allocated for hygiene materials in 2024, benefiting 145 families with U5 children. 

“I now pay careful attention to nutrition in our diet and have instilled the habit of cleanliness in my children,” Nasima Akhtar, a 23-year-old mother from Azizpur village, Debhata Upazila

Measurable Change 

Kalikapur Union’s transformation was officially recognized when it was declared a Healthy Union. Key improvements include: 

Safe water access: Increased from 14,422 to 16,111 people. 

• Improved sanitation: Reached 15,313 individuals. 

• Hygiene practices: Maxibasin use at dining places rose from 3,085 to 6,183, and hand wash device usage near latrines from 2,225 to 6,062. 

• Child health monitoring: All 1,281 U5 children are now regularly measured. 

• Maternal healthcare: 484 pregnant and lactating mothers receive ANC and PNC services. 

• Menstrual hygiene: 1,102 reproductive women now practice safe disposal of menstrual products. 

Sustaining Impact 

By embedding CSOs into UP committees, community voices now shape policies. Kalikapur’s success story is a testament to how local leadership, community-driven advocacy, and strategic partnerships can drive sustainable change in child nutrition and health.