Join the Bangladesh Deployment

November 2026

Support Cataracts, Little Hearts, Food Security & Livelihood projects

In 2026, Muntada Aid will be carrying out a major humanitarian deployment in Bangladesh, delivering lifesaving and life-changing support to vulnerable communities.

This mission will focus on:

• Children suffering from congenital heart defects

• People suffering from cataracts

• Emergency food pack distributions

• Livelihood Project

Little Hearts — Helping Children With Congenital Heart Defects in Bangladesh

Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) remain a major public health challenge around the world, with around 1.5 million babies born with CHD each year, and 10% in low-income regions not surviving their first year without treatment.

In Bangladesh, the burden is especially high:

• Studies show 18.9 per 1,000 live births are affected by congenital heart defects.

Many families in Bangladesh cannot afford the specialist surgeries or assessments required. During this deployment, Muntada Aid's Little Hearts Programme will provide:

- Free cardiac screenings

- Assessment for children with suspected heart disease

- Support in accessing lifesaving treatment pathways

Restoring Sight — Cataract Support in Bangladesh

Cataracts are one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in Bangladesh. Countless adults live with poor or failing vision simply because they cannot access surgery.

Key cataract facts for Bangladesh:

• Cataract is the leading cause of blindness, accounting for around 79% of adult blindness cases.

• Approximately 2.9% of adults aged 30+ are blind, with the majority due to untreated cataracts.

• Tens of thousands of new cataract cases occur every year, particularly among low-income, elderly, and rural populations.

During this deployment, Muntada Aid will work to ensure those most in need receive:

- Free cataract screenings

- Access to sight-restoring surgical referrals

- Support for vulnerable elders who cannot afford treatment

Restoring someone's sight allows them to regain independence, dignity, and quality of life.

Emergency Food Packs — A Core Priority

Food insecurity continues to affect millions of people in Bangladesh, especially:

Muntada Aid will distribute emergency food packs, which typically include essential staples such as rice, lentils, flour, oil, and basic household necessities.

These packs provide immediate relief for families facing hunger or struggling to meet basic nutritional needs.

Livelihood Support — Rickshaw

A unique and powerful component of this deployment is the Rickshaw Livelihood Project.

Rickshaws are one of the most reliable and culturally embedded forms of income generation in Bangladesh. Gifting a rickshaw provides:

- Daily earning potential

- A stable source of income

- Long-term financial independence

- Dignity and empowerment for families

This initiative aligns with Muntada Aid's broader Livelihoods Programme, which focuses on helping families become self-sufficient rather than dependent on aid.

The Rickshaw Grant programme is especially important for:

• Low-income households

• Families affected by illness

• Individuals who have lost work due to disability or age

• People needing a sustainable source of income to support dependents

Why Bangladesh Needs Support

Bangladesh faces several ongoing challenges:

Healthcare Barriers

• Limited specialist services for cardiac and eye care

• High treatment costs

• Rural communities with little access to hospitals

Poverty & Food Insecurity

• Many families struggle to afford daily meals

• Medical costs often consume a household's entire income

• Elderly people are particularly vulnerable

Limited Livelihood Opportunities

• High unemployment and underemployment

• Few income-generating resources for low-skilled workers

• Many families rely on single earners with unstable incomes

This deployment will address these challenges by providing healthcare, food security, and economic empowerment.

How Your Support Helps

By supporting the Bangladesh Deployment, you help deliver:

Cardiac assessments for children with CHD

Cataract screenings and sight-protecting care

Emergency food packs for families in need

Rickshaw grants that provide long-term income

Your support can restore sight, save lives, and give families the chance to build a stable future.

Reg Fee: £250

Fundraising Target: £10000