In January, representatives from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Australian High Commission in Bangladesh saw firsthand how Opportunity International Australia and our local partner, Shakti Foundation, are expanding access to essential healthcare for families living in remote and low-income communities. 

The visit highlighted the impact of our mobile medical clinic program, supported through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP), and the difference it is making for women and families who have faced barriers to care.

^{Jacob De Leon (middle) and Farzana Manzor (right) visit from the Australian High Commission}

Bringing healthcare to the last mile

Since 2024, Shakti Foundation has been operating a fully equipped mobile medical van staffed by trained female health workers. The model was designed to reach communities where distance, cost, and social norms often prevent women from seeking timely healthcare. By bringing services directly to villages, the clinics reduce travel time, eliminate the need for costly transport and provide a safe, trusted environment for women to receive care.

Each mobile clinic is fitted with diagnostic tools, basic laboratory equipment, and digital medical record systems. The all-female team includes a doctor, paramedic, and health assistant who provide primary healthcare, maternal and child health services, screenings and referrals to specialist or hospital care when needed.

^{Jacob and Farzana speak to one of Shakti's Health Leaders}

Reliable, affordable care for low-income families

The clinics follow a predictable schedule, visiting each remote community twice a month. This consistency is essential: families know when the clinic will arrive, can plan ahead, and can rely on ongoing follow-up for chronic conditions or maternal health needs.

Affordability is central to the model. Each consultation costs just Tk50 (approximately $A0.60), ensuring that even the lowest income households can access high-quality care. For many women, this is the first time they have been able to receive medical attention without financial strain or long travel distances.

^{Members of the Australian High Commission speak to members of the community in Dhaka}

Community trust and expanding services

Feedback from clients has been overwhelmingly positive. Communities consistently highlight:

• strong trust in the all-female workforce
• appreciation for the team’s commitment to privacy and respectful care
• confidence in the quality of services and diagnostics
• relief at having reliable, local access to healthcare.

In response to community needs, the program recently expanded to include eye health services, offering screenings and referrals for conditions that often go undetected in low-income settings.

Partnership making measurable differences

The DFAT visit underscored the importance of partnerships in delivering sustainable, community-led health solutions. Through ANCP funding, the Australian Government is helping Opportunity and Shakti Foundation reach families who would otherwise go without care — improving health outcomes, reducing financial hardship and strengthening local health systems.

As this program continues to grow, so does its impact: creating healthier mothers, healthier children and communities better equipped to thrive.

This project is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).