Learning Labs in Bangladesh Participants at the first Learning Lab held in June 2022. Photo by Shusmita Khan, D4I. A new series of organized discussions are encouraging collaborative learning and better data practices among young researchers in Bangladesh. The Data for Impact (D4I) Bangladesh team organized a May 2022 workshop on understanding Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) data, which was attended by 17 researchers from icddr,b and two faculty members from the Department of Population Science at the University of Dhaka. The workshop attendees expressed interest in establishing a D4I-hosted Data Discussion Learning Lab to provide the facilitators and participants with opportunities to collaborate, continuous support through a WhatsApp group, and monthly Learning Lab sessions. Through the Data Discussion Learning Lab, participants can share and discuss their secondary analyses using DHS data sets, giving and receiving feedback from the workshop facilitators and other group members. The Learning Lab sessions are scheduled to take place on the third Thursday of calendar months on a regular basis. The sessions discuss a pre-determined data-related issue and provide opportunities for peer learning. Many of the presenters have attended past workshops led by D4I. Learning Labs held to date include: A June 2022 session focused on BDHS data merging was facilitated by two facilitators who led the May 2022 workshop, Prof. Nitai Chakraborty, Department of Statistics, University of Dhaka and Md. Moinuddin Haider, Assistant Scientist, icddr,b. In September 2022, Mamun Ibn Bashar, Statistical officer, Health System and Population Studies Division (HSPSD) of icddr,b, presented on “Tools to estimate mortality: Pros and Cons,” sharing the nuances of estimating mortality (child and adult) using a number of methods. Mamun participated in previous D4I-led workshops in 2022 on understanding BDHS datasets and longitudinal data analysis. For the October 2022 session, Aniqa Tasnim Hossain, Maternal and Child Health Division (MCHD) of icddr,b, presented on a study estimating excessive mortality during COVID-19 by tracking the burial sites of Dhaka city, validated by a community-based survey with verbal autopsy, which is now in a second phase. Aniqa previously participated in a pre-COVID longitudinal data analysis workshop led by D4I’s Dr. Gustavo Angeles. Participants from icddr,b and the University of Dhaka attend the first Learning Lab session on BDHS data merging. Mamun Ibn Bashar presents tools to estimate mortality at the September 2022 Learning Lab in Bangladesh. Aniqa Tasnim Hossain presents on a study estimating excessive mortality during COVID-19 through burial site tracking at the October 2022 Learning Lab. Photos by Shusmita Khan, D4I.
