CIPRB has a strong commitment to raising awareness and actively supporting injury prevention programs, and highlighting to people that injury can be prevented through effective safety interventions and environmental modifications. CIPRB also works with local non-government organizations and government bodies as part of its advocacy efforts to educate stakeholder groups on various aspects of injury prevention and other health issues.
‘Going to school is the only work for children. No child will remain out of school anymore.’ In response to this slogan, Meena Day was observed at Raiganj, Sirajgonj by CIPRB in September 2010 with different activities such as parent meetings and a rally, to raise awareness of children’s rights.About 700 children and their parents were present at different Anchals to discuss the significance ofthe day. CIPRB personnel illustrated the importance of the day in society at the parents meetings.
Meena Day was originally established by UNICEF. Meena is a cartoon character who represents the rights of children irrespective of their sex.
As part of the ‘Decade of Action for Road Safety’, CIPRB launched a new Road Safety Research Unit in December 2010. Under the leadership of CIPRB’s Dr Saidur Rahman Mashreky, the main objectives of the unit are to conduct road safety research in Bangladesh including policy research, develop networks and collaborations with national and international road safety bodies and design and implement a road safety programme to develop effective interventions to reduce road traffic injuries.
On October 15, 2009 at 12 pm, approximately 20,000 children took part in International Hand Washing Day in events organized by CIPRB. Coordinated by UNICEF, the event was held in Anchals throughout the three CIPRB rural project areas.
Each year to highlight the importance of water safety and injury prevention, CIPRB holds an ‘Annual Event’ safety campaign across the four project areas of Raiganj, Sherpur, Manohardi and Mirpur in Dhaka. Held in December, thousands of children, parents and community members participate in a range of awareness raising activities such as rallys, art competitions, essay competitions, swimming competitions, road safety campaigns and prize giving ceremonies.
The campaign aims to reach children who are at a high risk of drowning, parents and adolescents in the SwimSafe project areas. It also provides a chance to give recognition and encouragement to children in their campaign against injury in Bangladesh.
