A Social Business Model of Early Intervention and Rehabilitation for People with Disability in Rural Bangladesh

Background: Despite the high burden of childhood disability in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), the opportunity for early intervention and rehabilitation is very limited. Studies have found that community-based rehabilitation service is effective for children with cerebral palsy (CP); however, such services are not readily available in LMICs, and services run by non-profit organisations on external funding are often not sustainable. In this study, we report the lesson learnt in establishing a social business model of early intervention and rehabilitation services for children with CP and adults with disabilities in a rural subdistrict of Bangladesh. Methods: Case study of a rural early intervention and rehabilitation centre (i.e., the model centre) implemented between May 2018 and September 2019. An economic evaluation incorporating…