In October 2020, Integral Global (IG) received funding from the John C Martin Foundation to develop a COVID-19 mitigation program for garment workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh. In partnership with BTMA, AYAT College of Nursing, IG launched a pilot in three facilities, screening over 3,800 workers, educating 4,466 employees, and promoting proper mask-wearing and handwashing, with promising preliminary results.
Bangladesh’s garment and textile sector, which represents over 85% of exports, urgently needs public health programming to protect workers and maintain operations. This program aims to reduce COVID-19 transmission, combat stigma, and support economic recovery, with the potential for broader replication across the industry.
Dhaka—Epillion Group, Ananta Apparels, and Aman Spinning Mills—employing 25,000 to 30,000 predominantly female workers. With COVID-19 cases likely underreported and one facility housing employees, the initiative aims to reach their families and local communities, impacting around 100,000 individuals.
COVID-19 is rapidly spreading in Bangladesh, particularly among garment and textile workers, due to a lack of public health resources and knowledge. To combat this, a comprehensive program will provide education, stigma reduction, PPE distribution, and testing initiatives. This initiative aims to create sustainable guidelines and systems that support worker health during future outbreaks.
Develop and implement an evidence-based COVID-19 community mitigation program in three pilot garment factories in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Develop a standardized COVID-19 Safety Program package, with specific guidelines and protocols, which can be widely disseminated to other mills and factories through the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA).
Total number of workers introduced to COVID-safe behavioral health education messaging
Total COVID-19
screenings
Number of supervisory staff trained on COVID- safe practices
Percent change in proper mask usage by facility employees following the intervention
Percent change in proper hand washing practices by facility employees following the intervention
Percent change in proper social distancing practices by facility employees following the intervention
Recurring surges and government lockdowns delayed project timelines and impacted engagement with facility management, who prioritized output over interventions.
During lockdowns, field teams focused on supporting vaccine registration, which helped maintain rapport with facility leadership and facilitated the resumption of project activities.
During lockdown and social distancing practicing among workers it was so challenging to trash COVID-19 suspected workers and
To work on COVID-19 awareness with workers was a significant challenge. Despite understanding the importance of these initiatives, the unstable environment made it difficult to make approval.
The project faced significant challenges due to restricted access to factory premises and several lockdowns during COVID-19 surges, affecting timelines. However, through a revised plan and the dedicated efforts of trained staff from Ayat Education, trust and ownership were built, leading to successful interventions. A systematic communication and reporting mechanism also played a crucial role in achieving project objectives and paving the way for future collaborations.