Maternal health improves in BD, says study

DHAKA: The maternal health situation in Bangladesh has improved as the death has decreased to 194 per 100,000 live births, institutional delivery has increased to 23 percent, and skilled attendance at delivery is 26.5 percent.  

These improvements have been possible due to a collective effort undertaken by public, NGOs, and private sector providers, many of which are supported by USAID.  

However, further reductions in maternal mortality will depend on treatment of fistula and other complications related to childbirth.

In this regard, the US Government, through the US Agency for International Development, USAID, released two studies from the USAID Fistula Care Project Wednesday.

The findings will help medical professionals prevent and treat a significant and dangerous health condition that affects an estimated 1.69 women out of every 1,000 in Bangladesh.

The Fistula Care Project is funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the US Government’s principal development agency, and implemented by Engender Health.

The US Government, through USAID, has provided over $5.8 billion in development assistance to Bangladesh since 1971.  

In 2011 alone, USAID provided more than $180 million to improve the lives of people in Bangladesh, including $17 million in environment and climate change funding.

USAID supports programs in Bangladesh that:  promote democratic institutions and practices; expand food security and economic opportunity; improve health and education services; and increase resiliency to climate change through adaptation and low carbon development.

BDST: 1927 HRS, JUN 20, 2012
Edited by: M. Mahbub Alam, Asst Output Editor