Our ongoing and completed projects

The MTaPS Program supports the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) across 13 countries, helping build the capacity to protect against infectious disease threats while prioritizing global health security. Within GHSA's framework, the program focuses on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) containment through infection prevention and control (IPC), antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), and multisectoral coordination (MSC) on AMR.

In Bangladesh, the National Action Plan for AMR (NAP-AMR) 2017-2022 was developed, which includes a roadmap with the goal of creating a web-based system for document sharing as one of its outputs. While various sectors maintain individual web presences, there is currently no unified platform for AMR-related information. For instance, IEDCR regularly uploads AMR surveillance data collected from 9 sentinel hospital sites to its website, making the data publicly accessible. However, other sectors such as DLS, DOF, BLRI, and BARA are at different stages in their development of web-based information systems.

A workshop highlighted the need for a centralized web-based platform to consolidate and share AMR data across sectors. This was further emphasized by the Global Antibiotic Resistance Partnership (GARP) Bangladesh National Working Group. During a follow-up workshop on the NAP-AMR implementation status held on March 4, 2020, it was recommended that a public-facing web portal be developed to share AMR-related information across all sectors. A subsequent meeting, convened by CDC/DGHS on September 2, 2020, reiterated the need for an integrated system under one umbrella to prevent information gaps and duplication of efforts. The recommendation was to create a web-based AMR information-sharing platform for One Health stakeholders.

MTaPS/Bangladesh, in collaboration with CDC and DGHS, supported the development of national Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) for common infectious diseases. The process began with a review of disease patterns in Bangladesh to identify the most prevalent infectious diseases based on their public health burden. A core working group was established by CDC and DGHS, with MTaPS providing assistance in formulating the methodology for developing STGs. This methodology incorporated infectious diseases and antibiotics from the 2016, 2017, and 2018 editions of the Health Bulletins, as well as existing hospital antibiotic guidelines, and aligned these with the WHO AWaRe classification.

Templates were distributed to the core working group, which consisted of experts from various disciplines, to designate their current practices for both preferred and alternative drugs according to the WHO AWaRe classification. Based on this, the STGs were developed and subsequently reviewed by senior professional associations. Following this review, CDC and DGHS finalized the STG.

MTaPS will further support CDC and DGHS in the creation of a publicly accessible web-based platform for disseminating AMR information. Additionally, MTaPS will develop a mobile app version of the STG, ensuring it is in alignment with the finalized guidelines. This app will be designed to transform into a nationally recognized STG tool, supporting the broader adoption of the WHO AWaRe classification and building capacity among healthcare practitioners to enhance the use of these guidelines.

JBRSOFT has been providing comprehensive human resource support for the Pharmacy Council of Bangladesh (PCB) to customize and maintain their website and database, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of the organization. The project includes ongoing maintenance and updates of the PCB website and database in close coordination with Management Sciences for Health (MSH), to align with PCB’s requirements. This also involves managing online support, such as chatbots, to assist with general queries and user information updates, ensuring smooth backend operations.

In addition, we are tasked with troubleshooting both at the application level and user level to ensure optimal functionality. We work with MSH to provide training for PCB officials, helping them operate, support, and maintain the system in their daily operations. One of the key aspects of this project is to enhance the usability and user experience of the application interface, improving design, structure, and performance across all devices to reduce bounce rates.

Further responsibilities include maintaining transaction records and preparing reports based on predefined templates, while also developing customized report templates for better monitoring by PCB. We conduct cost assessments for API and app development, ensuring that these assessments align with the future needs of the PCB system.

To ensure data safety and continuity, regular backups of the website and database are conducted weekly, with frequency adjustments based on content updates. We implement strict application security measures to protect against threats such as XSS attacks, SQL injections, brute force attacks, DDoS attacks, and malware, while also blocking rogue IP addresses and monitoring logs for suspicious activities.

We ensure that all servers supporting the PCB website and its services are secured, with regular updates to the operating systems and firewalls. Periodic cache clearing, monitoring version updates of software services, and resolving bugs are also part of our ongoing responsibilities. Additionally, we focus on improving search engine optimization (SEO) to enhance the PCB website’s visibility on Google and provide maintenance support for existing functionalities.

By ensuring that all changes and updates are reflected in the user manual and verifying the compatibility and security of PCB-designated servers, we help PCB maintain a secure, efficient, and reliable automation system. All these processes are managed under strict version control using Git, ensuring a streamlined and organized approach to project execution.

JBRSOFT is providing comprehensive services for the installation, customization, and ongoing support of the DHIS2 platform for the management of slum people, household registration, migration management, and income & expenditure tracking. The project involves forking the DHIS2 platform builds for both server and mobile on the Yeldi cloud server. The installation and configuration of the DHIS2 platform are carried out on the Yeldi server, ensuring seamless integration with the project's requirements.

Project data is configured and created according to the shared documents and is made importable in XLS format for future migration purposes. We customize the Yeldi brand on the web dashboard, while configuring web access exclusively for report viewing. The dashboard is set up to display at least five key reports, providing a clear overview of project metrics. Additionally, Android Tracker Capture development is carried out to enable easy data entry on mobile devices.

Training is provided to ensure efficient user creation and access management, allowing users to view reports at various levels of permission. Stringent application security measures are implemented, protecting the system from XSS attacks, SQL injections, brute force attacks, DDoS attacks, malware, and sensitive file access. Preventive actions, such as blocking malicious IP addresses and securing directories, are also carried out to protect the system.

Regular server cache clearing is performed to maintain optimal performance, and modules for population registration, household registration, migration tracking, and income & expenditure tracking are developed. Additionally, a skill enhancement module is created to help users develop their abilities in handling the system. Through these efforts, JBRSOFT ensures a secure, efficient, and user-friendly system that meets the project's requirements.

JBRSOFT is providing comprehensive customization, maintenance, and support services for the Pharmacy Council of Bangladesh (PCB) automation system and database, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of the PCB in coordination with MSH. We offer continuous online support through chatbots to handle general queries and user information updates from the backend. Troubleshooting is performed at both the application and user levels to resolve any issues promptly.

In collaboration with MSH, we provide training to PCB’s designated officials, equipping them with the knowledge to effectively operate and maintain the system in day-to-day operations. To enhance usability and user experience, we continually improve the design, structure, and speed performance of the system across all devices, reducing bounce rates and optimizing performance.

We maintain transaction records, preparing reports based on provided templates and developing new report templates per PCB's monitoring needs. Additionally, we assess the costs associated with API and app development to ensure cost-effectiveness. Regular backups of the PCB website’s files and database are carried out weekly, with increased frequency during content changes.

To safeguard the system, we implement stringent application security measures, protecting against threats such as XSS attacks, SQL injections, brute force attacks, DDoS attacks, malware, and unauthorized access to sensitive files. We also take preventive actions, such as blocking malicious IP addresses and configuring firewalls for all servers supporting the PCB website.

We ensure regular server cache clearing, operating system updates, and monitoring of software version updates. New functionalities are developed and implemented for the PCB automation system, and any bugs affecting system functionality are promptly resolved. We also work on improving Google search rankings and addressing Search Engine Optimization (SEO) issues.

Our team provides ongoing maintenance support for all existing functionalities and promptly addresses any issues raised by MSH and PCB. Moreover, we ensure the interlinking of the PCB automation system with the DGDA drug database operates seamlessly on the updated system. All changes and updates are reflected in the user manual, ensuring consistency and clarity. Lastly, we check the compatibility and security of PCB’s designated server (e.g., Bangladesh Computer Council) to ensure optimal performance and safety.

A key solution to addressing challenges in the pharmaceutical sector in Bangladesh lies in leveraging the private sector drug sellers, who are a primary source of medicines in many developing countries. Until the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) initiated reforms during the implementation of the Health, Population, and Nutrition Sector Development Program (HPNSDP), accreditation of drug sellers was not established in Bangladesh. With the support of JDTAF, MSH collaborated with DGDA and other sector stakeholders to develop the first accreditation standards for retail medicine outlets. This included designing and implementing an accreditation program for two new levels of pharmaceutical outlets: Model Pharmacy and Model Medicine Shop.

The accreditation standards for retail medicine outlets in Bangladesh have been approved by the competent authority, and MSH has also developed various strategies to support the implementation of these standards. Recognizing the importance of continuing this initiative, and based on extensive relevant experience, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) has included the piloting of the approved accreditation model for retail medicine outlets as part of their efforts. In partnership with DFID Bangladesh, the "Better Health in Bangladesh" program is supporting the 4th phase of the Health, Nutrition, and Population Sector Program (HNPSP) for a period of five years. This collaboration aims to improve the regulatory environment, enhance pharmaceutical sector standards, and create a robust accreditation system for the retail medicine outlets across the country.