Hope's mission is to provide quality health services to the most marginalized population in rural Bangladesh using education,
community outreach, and the provision of compassionate health care.
Established in 1999 by Dr. Iftikher Mahmood, a Bangladeshi-American, Hope Foundation for Women and Children of Bangladesh was created with the goal of serving those most in need. Bangladesh has an extremely high maternal, infant and child mortality rate. Most of these deaths could be prevented with a mass education program of preventative health and early intervention to manage infectious conditions as well as provide basic treatment. The ratio of healthcare workers and health facilities is extremely low and consequently, the health needs of this country are vastly unmet. Medical treatment is often ill-equipped to provide the necessary treatment. There are currently 300 beds in this area to treat 2 million people living in Cox’s Bazar. Dr. Mahmood, being a Pediatrician, wanted to make a profound impact on the lives of his people and provide services for those who otherwise could not afford it.
Beginning in 2017, with the arrival of nearly one million Rohingya Refugees in Cox's Bazar, Hope began responding to the needs of those who have suffered grave persecution at the hands of the Myanmar government. Through the establishment of Hope Field Hospital for Women, which remains one of the few inpatients facilities inside of the refugee camps, Hope is treating upwards of 300 patients per day inside of the camps.
Hope Foundation has received the following awards:
- Humanitarian Service Award 2020, (Healthcare category) by the Rotary Club of Dhaka Stars.
- Best Private Organization 2022, (Clinic Based- Hope Hospital) by Upazila Family Planning Office, Ramu, Cox's Bazar
- Gold Winner 2023, International Hospital Federation (IHF) Sultanate of Oman Excellence Award for Health Services During Crisis
