Staff Reporter:
Healthy mothers and healthy families can give the gift of a healthy nation. There is no alternative to building ‘healthy mothers and healthy families’ to achieve the SDG maternal health targets.
Health experts and policymakers made these remarks at a meeting held at a hotel in the capital on Monday (February 24) while presenting the research findings of the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Families Project.
The project was conducted in collaboration with Management Sciences for Health (MSH), BRAC, SCOPE, and the Population Council. Dr. S.M. Abdullah Al Murad, Line Director of Maternal, Neonatal, Child, and Adolescent Health (MNCAH) at the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), presided over the event.
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 explored how group-based healthcare sessions can improve access to maternal health services, enhance knowledge, and boost confidence among mothers. “For 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 added.
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 as a model for both government programs 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 organizations, development partners, UN agencies, and national and international NGOs.
