National Nutrition Week 2025 was observed across Bangladesh from 28 May to 3 June, under the timely and inclusive theme:
“Nutritious Food for All, From Children to the Elderly.”
This year’s theme resonates with the need for improved dietary practices across every stage of life, emphasizing a life-course approach to nutrition. As part of the national celebrations, the Nutrition in City Ecosystems (NICE) project, took proactive steps to engage communities and promote awareness through two vibrant programs in Rangpur and Dinajpur, Bangladesh.
These initiatives highlighted the project’s ongoing commitment to creating healthier urban food systems while addressing the specific needs of vulnerable populations—particularly children, elderly, and pregnant women.
Promoting Preventive Healthcare in Rangpur: Health Camp & Nutrition Support
In Rangpur, the NICE project, in close collaboration with the Civil Surgeon’s Office, organized a community-based health camp and nutritious food distribution program at Gokulpur Community Clinic, Paglapir. This event was tailored to reach two high-priority groups: elderly individuals and pregnant women, who often face limited access to quality nutrition and basic health services.
The camp provided free health screenings, including:
- Blood pressure checks
- Diabetes testing
- Nutritional counseling
A total of 90–100 participants received services during the program. These efforts aimed to increase awareness about non-communicable diseases and reinforce the importance of regular check-ups for early detection and management. The event was presided over by Dr. Sadia Afrin, Medical Officer of Rangpur Sadar Upazila Health Complex, with the active support of health assistants from the community clinic. Their presence not only ensured efficient medical service delivery but also built trust within the community.
Alongside the health check-up, nutritious food packets were distributed to the elderly and expectant mothers, offering practical support in line with the Week’s theme. The program was warmly received and served as a bridge between community needs and public health initiatives.
Nurturing Awareness Among the Youth: Art Competition in Dinajpur
While Rangpur focused on health service delivery, Dinajpur celebrated National Nutrition Week with a creative and educational approach. An Art Competition on Nutritious Food was arranged at the Civil Surgeon’s Office, bringing together school children to creatively explore the importance of balanced diets.
Through drawing and painting, the children illustrated their understanding of what it means to eat healthily—from vegetables and fruits to traditional foods that are both nutritious and affordable. The event created a lively and interactive learning space where children became both artists and advocates for nutrition.
The competition was honored by the presence of:
- Dr. Shah Muhammad Sharif, Deputy Civil Surgeon, Dinajpur
- Dr. Abdul Kaiyum, Pediatrician, 250-Bed General Hospital, Dinajpur
Their insights and encouragement added inspiration and weight to the occasion. The messages shared underscored the need to start nutrition education early, enabling the younger generation to build lifelong healthy habits. This initiative was particularly significant in fostering nutrition literacy among youth, who can influence household food choices and serve as change agents within their communities.
By engaging both the elderly and children in two different urban contexts, the NICE project demonstrated a multi-generational and inclusive approach to nutrition. These events reflect the project’s broader goals of:
- Enhancing urban food system governance
- Promoting community-based nutrition actions
- Integrating health and food services for improved well-being
Whether through healthcare access or creative learning, both initiatives during National Nutrition Week 2025 reaffirmed the importance of placing nutrition at the heart of community development.