Health and Family Welfare Adviser Nurjahan Begum- File Photo

DHAKA, April 20, 2025 (BSS) - Health and Family Welfare Adviser Nurjahan Begum today called upon all to work in combine in safeguarding maternal and child health.
 
"For safe childbirth, every individual must step forward, ensuring proper care for pregnant women and making healthcare services more accessible and integrated," she said, adding, "Collective effort is essential to protect maternal and child health."

She made the remarks while addressing a discussion meeting in the capital's Osmani Memorial Auditorium as the chief gust, organized in observance of World Health Day. The theme of the day was "Let Birth Be Safe, Let Future Be Enlightened".

The health adviser stated that the birth of a child is significant not only for individual families but also for the future of the entire nation, saying ensuring the health and well-being of both mother and newborn at the time of birth is essential for the child's overall development. 

"To achieve this, the government is actively working to provide prenatal care, safe delivery services, newborn care, and improved nutrition for both mothers and children," she said. 

Nurjahan, however, opined that this responsibility doesn't lie with the government alone, but also public awareness, active family and community participation, the dedication of healthcare professionals, and advancements in medical technology can play a crucial role in achieving these goals.

The adviser expressed strong confidence that, through collaborative action, a healthy and promising future for mothers and children can be secured.

She noted that currently, 50 percent of births take place in hospitals, while the other half are handled by unskilled midwives, resulting many newborns suffer from oxygen deprivation and brain injuries during delivery, which can lead to neurological issues, including conditions such as autism.

Consequently, the number of children diagnosed with autism is steadily increasing in the country, and without greater awareness and preventive measures, this trend is likely to continue, she observed.

Addressing concerns about women's dignity and child marriage, the health adviser questioned, "How much respect do we truly show women as individuals and mothers?" 

She pointed out that women, particularly in rural areas, continue to face neglect.

Nurjahan said the rate of child marriage remains alarmingly high, with teenage girls becoming mothers when they need care and support. They are being forced into motherhood far too early, which is a societal crime, she said.

She added that although this issue is widely recognized, little is being done to prevent it.

Mentioning that greater awareness is essential to ensure safe childbirth, the health adviser said "If current trends persist, not only the birth of healthy children become more difficult, but maternal mortality rates will also rise."

Special Assistant on Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Professor Dr Md Sayedur Rahman said Bangladesh had previously made notable progress in achieving various development goals, particularly in maternal and child health, often ahead of schedule, but it has now fallen behind in this area.

"We must urgently develop targeted interventions in response to this reality if we are to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030," he said.

The special assistant emphasized that for Bangladesh to succeed as a nation, the state must take full responsibility for the issues highlighted in today's theme. 

He also urged the private organizations to play their responsibilities within their capacities.

With Health Services Division Secretary Md. Saidur Rahman in the chair, Medical Education and Family Welfare Division Secretary Dr Md Sarwar Bari, Director General of Directorate General of Health Services Dr Md. Abu Jafor, and World Health Organization Representative in Bangladesh Dr Ahmed Jamshed Mohammad, among others, also spoke.