Healthy mothers key to achieving SDG maternal health goals

Staff Reporter :

Ensuring healthy mothers and healthy families is essential for building a healthy nation, with no alternative to achieving the SDG maternal health targets, experts and policymakers have stated.

These remarks were made at a meeting held at a hotel in the capital on Monday (24 February), where the research findings of the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Families Project were presented. The project was conducted in collaboration with Management Sciences for Health (MSH), BRAC, SCOPE, and the Population Council.

The event was presided over by Dr S.M. Abdullah Al Murad, Line Director of Maternal, Neonatal, Child, and Adolescent Health (MNCAH) at the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Professor Dr Sheikh Sayedul Haque, Additional Director General (Planning & Development) at DGHS, attended as the chief guest.

Presenting the research findings, Dr Farzana Islam, Project Director at MSH, highlighted the challenges faced by young first-time mothers during pregnancy. The study examined how group-based healthcare sessions can improve access to maternal health services, enhance knowledge, and boost confidence among mothers.

“Over the past four years, this project has assessed the feasibility of integrating the group care model into existing maternal health services.

Findings from disadvantaged urban areas like Tongi indicate that this model significantly improves maternal and newborn health, as well as family planning services for young mothers and their partners. However, for long-term sustainability and expansion, government support, investment, and further research are necessary,” she explained.

Professor Dr Sheikh Sayedul Haque stressed that ensuring healthcare for underprivileged mothers is critical to achieving SDG targets. He recommended adopting the “Healthy Mothers, Healthy Families” initiative at the national level, incorporating it into both government programmes and rural healthcare systems.

Speakers at the event called for strong political commitment to integrate the group care model into the national healthcare framework.

The seminar was jointly organised by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Directorate General of Health Services, the Directorate of Family Planning, and MSH. It was attended by government officials, representatives from professional organisations, development partners, UN agencies, and national and international NGOs.