Safe Motherhood Day being marked

DHAKA: The ‘Safe Motherhood Day-2012’ is being observed in the country Monday with the slogan `Ensure safe motherhood, build healthy nation`.

Different government and non-government organizations have undertaken elaborate programmes to observe the day.

The inaugural ceremony of the programmes was held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium at 10:00am.

With secretary of the ministry M Humayun Kabir in the chair, the function was addressed, among others, by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. AFM Ruhal Haque, PM`s Advisor on Health and Family Welfare Dr Syed Modasser Ali, State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Mujibur Rahman Fakir, director general of Department of Family Planning Amir Hossain and director general of Department of Health Khandakar Mohammad Shefayetullah.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged all to remain careful about safe delivery of every new born and take part actively in the government efforts to ensure health of mothers and their babies to build a healthy nation.

She also urged elderly members of families to give attention to nutrition of expected mothers, their proper rest and mental relaxation in pre and post pregnancy period.

She called upon the health service providers to discharge their services with outmost sincerity and devotion for development of healthcare services in the country particularly of mothers, new born and children.

Meanwhile, she thanked the non-government organizations including UNICEF, UNFPA, World Health Organization and JICA for their efforts for implementing different programmes on mother and child health.

On the occasion, 42 organizations in seven categories were given award for their contribution to reaching healthcare services to the common people.

 The Safe Motherhood Day, decided to observe nationally every year by Awami League government in 1997.

BDST: 1540 HRS, MAY 28, 2012

Edited by:
Maria Salam, Asst Output Editor