Founded in 2012 by Dr. Ruhul Abid (Brown University Alpert Medical School) in partnership with Dr. Rosemary Duda (Harvard Medical School), Health and Education for All (HAEFA) is a nobel-nominated U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to improving health and educational outcomes for marginalized populations in Bangladesh. Initially focused on supporting readymade garment workers, HAEFA has expanded its services to reach Rohingya refugees, rickshaw pullers, and underserved communities in remote and coastal regions.

Since its inception, HAEFA has delivered over 6.6 million free health screenings and medical treatments, including specialized care such as cervical cancer screening, hypertension and diabetes care, tuberculosis screening, and mental health services. Our comprehensive programs include mobile medical clinics, diagnostic lab testing in refugee camps, and merit-based scholarships for students from low-resource backgrounds. These initiatives are designed to advance universal health coverage and provide equitable access to essential healthcare and education.

In 2017, the Rohingya refugee crisis began after the Myanmar military’s brutal crackdown on the Rohingya population in Rakhine State, Myanmar, sent hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing across the border to Bangladesh. HAEFA quickly established clinics in Cox’s Bazar, which are positioned to serve 450,000 refugees. As the camps lack electricity and internet, HAEFA developed its own electronic medical records system — the only one that serves Rohingya refugees — called NIROG. Using solar panels, car batteries, and a local Wi-Fi router, the team created an off-grid digital health system for the camps.

Under the leadership of Dr. Ruhul Abid, an associate professor of surgery (research) at Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School and a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize nominee, HAEFA continues to embody humanitarian excellence and community-driven impact.

While HAEFA has made great strides towards fulfilling our aims, the need remains immense. Your support, whether financial or via partnering with us, would be invaluable in bringing us closer to our goal of achieving universal health coverage in Bangladesh by 2030.

HAEFA envisions a world where universal health coverage and education is an accessible reality for all underserved and vulnerable populations. We strive to be a leader in humanitarian medical care, building resilient health systems and fostering lasting positive living conditions through a focus on treatment, education, and prevention. We hope to share our journey and inspire collaboration at the 44th BMANA Convention.