When the COVID-19 pandemic began, I found myself on the frontlines as a clinician in the Emergency Department of a public hospital in England. Witnessing the devastating impact of the virus on individuals and families, I was deeply troubled by the contrasting viral posts on social media that downplayed the seriousness of COVID-19 or promoted harmful practices as cures.
I realized that access to accurate and timely information during a pandemic is crucial for public health, and that understanding the science and evidence behind COVID-19 could potentially save lives. Motivated by this insight, I started creating short explainer videos in Bangla that broke down the science in simple language, providing relevant and useful information for everyday life. My goal was to empower people to make decisions based on science, not rumors.
The response was overwhelming. My videos quickly reached millions on social media, amassing over one billion minutes of watch time and gaining more than 9 million followers. Heartwarming stories poured in about people using the information to care for their loved ones. I also received numerous questions about common health conditions, which revealed that the problem of misinformation extends far beyond COVID-19 and hinders people from seeking timely care.
Realizing the immense need for reliable health information in Bangla, I became determined to address this gap. I joined forces with Khaled, a seasoned product manager and my partner, and founded Shohay Health. We assembled a team of dedicated doctors and engineers to create and deliver life-changing health information in both written and video formats, inspiring individuals to take charge of their well-being and make informed decisions about their health.
Today, our team of passionate and driven professionals is dedicated to making reliable health information accessible to Bangla-speaking communities around the world, transforming lives one piece of information at a time. Through our partnerships with the Bangladesh Government, BRAC, Grameenphone, and CARE Bangladesh, we’ve been able to extend our reach and impact even further, solidifying our commitment to breaking down barriers and making a lasting difference in the lives of millions.
Dr. Tasnim Jara
Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer
Shohay Health