HAEFA UMD Website

Health and Education

For All - UMD

Advocating access to free, quality healthcare for Bangladesh's most vulnerable populations.

A B O U T U S

We are a student group inspired by HAEFA's mission and vision to provide free, quality healthcare services to marginalized and oppressed populations from Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, industrial and Ready Made Garment (RMG) factory workers in Bangladesh, and women in rural areas. Health and education are fundamental human rights that should be accessible and affordable to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, ethnicity, religion, or gender.

Our Goals

What is Health and Education for All HAEFA

Health and Education for All (HAEFA) is a US-based, 501©(3) nonprofit organization that provides free and quality healthcare to underserved populations, primarily in Bangladesh. Founded in 2012 by Dr. Ruhul Abid and Dr. Rosemary Duda, HAEFA focuses on enhancing access to healthcare for vulnerable communities, including ready-made garment (RMG) factory workers and Rohingya refugees.

Work and Statistics:

HAEFA has impacted over 339,755 individuals through its medical clinics in Cox’s Bazar and rural Bangladesh, providing treatments for non-communicable and communicable diseases.
In 2023 alone, HAEFA conducted over 270,664 laboratory diagnostic tests, implemented 4,286 family planning interventions, and screened over 103,169 women through our cervical cancer screening program, highlighting our commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare services.

Cervical cancer kills 6,582 women annually in Bangladesh

The diagnosis rate in Bangladesh is approximately 2 to 3 times higher than in the U.S., with a mortality rate five times greater. To combat this, HAEFA has implemented a "see and treat" program to reduce these statistics.

Tablet utilizing NIROG system

Rohingyas: The Most Persecuted Minority in the World

The 1.1 million Rohingya are often regarded as the world's most persecuted minority, enduring decades of discrimination, violence, and persecution. 98 percent of these stateless refugees are now seeking refuge in Bangladesh and Malaysia.

HAEFA staff doing visual inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) screening

HAEFA's NIROG, an entirely paperless EMR system, uses fingerprint identification on solar-powered tablets, increasing patient treatment by four to five times compared to handwritten notes. NIROG works without constant internet, making it ideal for remote locations like Rohingya refugee camps, and supports two-way communication between medical personnel and patients. HAEFA earned a Nobel Peace Prize nomination in 2020 due to the development of NIROG.

Rohingya children at a refugee camp in Bangladesh

Enter the Fall 2024 Raffle!

Join Our Raffle Fundraiser for a Great Cause!

Purchase a $10 ticket to support essential healthcare services and stand a chance to win exciting prizes!

$10 Donation: Provides a month's worth of essential medicines for a pregnant mother.

$15 Donation: Covers a month's medication for a malnourished child.

$50 Donation: Funds a diabetic patient's monthly insulin needs.

Your contribution makes a real difference. Enter now and be a part of this impactful cause!

Enter Raffle

Teach-in Sessions

Engaging students and faculty in discussions about underserved populations, global health, crisis management, healthcare in resource-limited settings, and innovations in healthcare and education worldwide.

Community Events

Organize community fundraising events to support HAEFA's humanitarian services for marginalized and refugee populations. These events raise crucial funds and awareness, fostering community engagement and solidarity.

Networking

We connect students with HAEFA professionals, mentors, and professors for international internships, providing experience in global health and humanitarian services. Additionally, we facilitate collaboration on impactful health and education research projects and offer guidance for applying for relevant scholarships.

Learn More

Upcoming Events for the Fall 2024 Semester

Meetings are held biweekly on Thursdays!

September 6th

First Look Fair at McKeldin Mall from 10:00AM - 3:00PM

September 19th

Teach-In Session on Cervical Cancer with Professor Jenna Mueller

October 17th

Teach-In Session on Rohingya Refugee Crisis with Professor Tania Nachrin

October 29th

Gift of Life Marrow Registry Tabling Event

November 21st

Teach-In Session on Maternal and Infant Health with Professor Marie E. Thoma

November 25th

Raffle Prizes Distribution

Fall 2024 Semester Schedule

How to Become a Member

Attendance Requirements

Each member must attend at least one General Body Meeting, Teach-In Session, and Community Activity per semester.

Registration

You must add yourself to the HAEFA-UMD Terplink roster. Additionally, when attending any General Body Meeting, Community Service Activity, or Teach-In Session, the Google form must be filled out to register your attendance.

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