Bangladesh’s vast Riverine and Haor (wetland) ecosystems are among the most geographically isolated, environmentally fragile, and climate vulnerable landscapes in South Asia. These ecologically rich yet hazard-prone zones-especially Sunamganj district in the Sylhet Division, Bangladesh experience extreme seasonal variations: during the dry months, land remains arable, but for nearly eight months a year, entire communities become submerged or surrounded by deep water. Villages transform into isolated islands without functional transportation links, leaving tens of thousands of people physically cut off from essential regular services.
Within this reality, communities suffer a multidimensional crisis. Floodwaters contaminate open water sources, restrict access to primary health care, and exacerbate the spread of communicable diseases. Maternal and child health indicators consistently deteriorate due to delays in reaching care, and preventable illnesses escalate into life-threatening conditions. During monsoon peaks, even basic necessities safe drinking water, emergency medical support, and essential medicines become inaccessible.
The ASH Foundation’s Floating Medic Service and Purified Water Treatment Plant Initiative is a strategically designed, multi-year humanitarian response to these severe structural barriers. Developed in alignment with the European Union’s priorities on climate resilience, health accessibility, WASH systems strengthening, and social protection, the initiative provides a comprehensive four-year intervention (Year 2026 – 2029) to serve the floating and water locked communities of Sunamganj.
The project is designed for two (2) fully equipped boats, each integrating both a floating medical service unit and a solar-powered water treatment plant. Together, these boats will provide essential healthcare, safe drinking water, preventive education, and emergency support to some of the most underserved populations in Bangladesh.
The initiative is projected to reach the following total beneficiaries over four (4) years:
95000+ individuals receiving primary medical treatment
2800000 individuals receiving purified drinking water.
12000 direct beneficiaries+60000 indirect beneficiaries through awareness and prevention education.
This hybrid service model – part clinic, part safe-water plant, part outreach platform – represents a transformative approach to healthcare and WASH service delivery in geographies where land-based infrastructures cannot operate year-round.
