BRAC--learning to reach health for all.

Introduction BRAC (formerly Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee) was founded in response to the disaster of the 1971 War of Independence that created Bangladesh. Over 10 million people had fled the country seeking safety in India, and millions more had been displaced or killed in their homes. The founders of BRAC initiated relief work in the refugee camps and accompanied the refugees home on the trucks, boats and foot trails that led back to thousands of devastated villages. A new nation had to be built out of the ruins. From the outset, BRAC was located in rural areas, working with villagers to rebuild homes, and to re-establish farming, fishing and other livelihoods. At the same time, BRAC embarked on efforts to improve the fundamental determinants of well-being including health, nutrition, education and particularly the plight of women in a very traditional society. By concentrating on the most remote rural communities, BRAC was addressing a great unmet need that the new government could not possibly meet with its limited resources and experience. This situation allowed BRAC to develop models of development in collaboration with local communities, free from outside interference or control.