‘Efforts urgent to improve maternal health’
Staff Reporter :
The World Health Day 2025 will be observed today (Monday) in Bangladesh, as in other countries around the world, with the theme – “Healthy beginning, hopeful futures.”
The day aims to emphasize the importance of investing in the health and well-being of mothers and children as the foundation for a better future.
To mark the occasion, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), along with numerous non-governmental organizations working in the health sector, have organized a series of awareness and advocacy programmes across the country.
These events include seminars, discussions, community outreach initiatives, and health camps, all designed to promote health education and encourage access to essential healthcare services.
On this significant day, Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus highlighted the need for collective and coordinated efforts from all levels-local, national, and global-to address the pressing challenges in maternal and child health.
In a message commemorating World Health Day, Dr. Yunus said, “More action-oriented programmes are crucial to reduce maternal and infant mortality, which continues to be a major concern for developing nations, including Bangladesh.”
He emphasized the necessity of a united approach, saying, “To overcome these health challenges, we must have concerted efforts from stakeholders at every level-governments, civil society, private sector, and development partners. National commitment must be matched with international support to create a sustainable health system.”
In Bangladesh, the theme of the day has been localized as “Safe birth for bright future,” which the Chief Adviser lauded as both timely and appropriate. He noted that ensuring safe childbirth and providing quality maternal care are vital for securing the health of future generations.
Dr. Yunus reiterated that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been working diligently to improve maternal and child health indicators.
Numerous initiatives have been rolled out nationwide through collaboration between public institutions, private healthcare providers, and NGOs. These programmes aim to expand access to prenatal and postnatal care, promote institutional deliveries, ensure proper nutrition for mothers and children, and enhance immunization coverage, he said.
He also acknowledged the crucial role of international development partners who are actively supporting these initiatives. “Development partners continue to work hand in hand with the government, reinforcing our capacity to deliver quality healthcare services to even the most remote corners of the country,” he added.
Reflecting on Bangladesh’s progress, the Chief Adviser mentioned the achievements made in the health sector following the political changes of 2024. He expressed optimism about the country’s future, stating, “The interim government, formed after the mass uprising, is firmly committed to building Bangladesh into a nation where every woman and child receives the health services they need and deserve.”
Dr. Yunus stressed the importance of sustaining the gains made under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. “This year, the World Health Organization (WHO) has taken a special initiative to protect maternal and child health, which aligns well with our national priorities,” he noted.
In closing, he expressed his best wishes for the success of all programmes and initiatives organized in observance of World Health Day 2025, underlining the core message that a healthy beginning lays the foundation for a hopeful and prosperous future for all.