Evidence-based development

When Eminence began its work in 2003, prevention and community-based interventions for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) were extremely limited. The health sector had no formal programs for managing NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension, or cancer. Existing health programs only addressed issues like arsenic contamination and similar diseases, while government nutrition programs focused solely on undernutrition, with no attention to overnutrition or overweight-related issues. Despite being a small organization, Eminence gave a strong voice to NCDs, advocating for community-based interventions and evidence-based policy change. Over the last five years, the government has recognized these needs by including NCDs in the Health Population and Nutrition Sector Program (HPNSP), with one of its major operational programs being the Noncommunicable Disease Control (NCDC) program.

Eminence’s evidence-based initiatives have significantly influenced community-level NCD interventions and contributed to successful policy changes. However, there is still a long way to go, particularly in urban primary healthcare, which is essential for effective preventive care and NCD management in Bangladesh.      

Homemade food and breastfeeding Prioritization

Eminence has actively influenced nutrition programs by promoting the importance of homemade foods and breastfeeding. The organization voluntarily served as the secretariat for the global Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) movement in Bangladesh, which brought together various national organizations to advocate for diversified homemade foods and the benefits of breastfeeding. The government, concerned about unhealthy food consumption, sought to promote safe and healthy diets, and the private sector has also begun engaging in initiatives related to safe food practices. Despite these efforts, significant challenges remain, including diversified food consumption, food production standards, and controlling price gouging. Eminence remains committed to addressing these issues and fighting for social justice in nutrition and food safety.

Research Quality Improvement

Eminence has always prioritized strengthening research quality to support evidence-based interventions. By developing rigorous methodologies, conducting comprehensive surveys, and providing technical guidance, the organization ensures that its findings are reliable, actionable, and policy-relevant. Through continuous capacity building, Eminence trains researchers and staff to maintain high standards in data collection, analysis, and reporting, helping to improve the overall quality of health and nutrition research in Bangladesh. These efforts contribute to better-informed programs and policies, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of interventions in noncommunicable diseases, nutrition, and public health.

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