RHSTEP’s Khulna UYP (Unlocking Youth Potential) Centre organized the “Active Participation of Persons with Disabilities on Health Reform Effort – 01” program on 23 June 2026 at the UYP Centre, Khulna. The initiative aimed to promote health rights, enhance health awareness, and encourage the meaningful participation of young persons with disabilities in Bangladesh’s health reform process through dialogue, capacity building, and inclusive engagement.

The program brought together 15 young persons with disabilities, providing an interactive platform to discuss their healthcare experiences, identify existing challenges, and recommend practical solutions for building a more inclusive and disability-friendly health system.

The event commenced with an engaging ice-breaking session led by Project Officer Sujoy Chowdhury, who facilitated the "Sound Recognition Game" to encourage interaction, teamwork, and active participation among attendees. The session created an inclusive learning environment and strengthened participants' confidence throughout the program.

Following the opening activity, Youth Officer Noshin Tabassum facilitated a participatory discussion titled "If the Healthcare System Were Different", where participants openly shared their lived experiences, healthcare barriers, and recommendations for improving accessibility and inclusiveness within public health services. The discussion emphasized the importance of ensuring that the voices of persons with disabilities are reflected in future health policies and reform initiatives.

One of the key highlights of the program was a technical session conducted by Shahinur, Manager of NSBP-Bangladesh, Khulna, who provided comprehensive guidance on menstrual hygiene management, maternal healthcare, and the health rights of women with disabilities. A practical demonstration was also conducted to show how women with visual impairments can correctly identify and use sanitary pads independently, promoting dignity, confidence, and informed menstrual health management.

The program was further enriched by the presence of Md. Nakibul Hasan, Assistant Director of the Department of Family Planning, Khulna, who attended as the chief guest. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of actively involving persons with disabilities in health reform processes and policy discussions to ensure equitable and accessible healthcare services for all.

The event reaffirmed RHSTEP’s commitment to advancing disability inclusion, health equity, youth empowerment, and rights-based healthcare through the Aporajeyo Tarunno (UYP) project. Organizers emphasized that amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities is essential for building a healthcare system that is inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of every individual.