From 2.64% To 1.37%: Bangladesh – The New Global Role Model In Birth Control
Bangladesh has emerged as a global role model in birth control and family planning, successfully reducing its population growth rate to 1.37 percent from 2.64 percent. This significant achievement highlights the country’s dedicated efforts in addressing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) challenges.
The turning point came in 1975 when Bangladesh, newly admitted to the United Nations, launched an ambitious family planning program under the Directorate General of Family Planning (DGFP). At the time, only 8 percent of eligible couples used contraceptives. Today, that figure stands at 63.1 percent, with 61.6 percent relying on modern contraceptive methods.
Experts attribute this success to effective collaboration between government agencies and NGOs. A series of targeted campaigns, with slogans like “A small family is a happy family” and “Not more than two children, one is better,” resonated with citizens nationwide. These messages, amplified through mass media, promoted the benefits of small families and helped normalise the use of contraceptives.
Bangladesh’s approach also included extensive grassroots initiatives aimed at rural and underserved communities. Currently, 64 percent of urban residents and 62.4 percent of rural populations use contraception, reflecting a balanced focus on both sectors.
Despite the progress, challenges persist. According to DGFP, 59 percent of girls in Bangladesh are married before the age of 18, and 18.1 percent are married before 15. Early marriages often lead to adolescent pregnancies, posing risks to maternal and child health. Addressing this issue remains crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to gender equality, education, and health.
Mother and child health (MCH) services have also seen significant progress. The maternal mortality ratio in Bangladesh has dropped drastically over the past few decades, aligning with global trends in reducing pregnancy-related deaths. This advancement reflects the impact of integrated family planning and health services.
Dr. Mohammad Sharif, former MCH Services Director at DGFP, emphasised that decisions about childbearing are a fundamental human right. He noted that the government is committed to ensuring families can make informed, independent choices about reproduction. The DGFP has introduced seven operational plans to address existing gaps, with a target of raising the use of modern contraceptive methods to 70 percent.
Bangladesh’s success has drawn attention worldwide, with other nations looking to replicate its family planning strategies. From implementing comprehensive campaigns to addressing SRHR barriers at the community level, the country offers valuable lessons for global policymakers.
However, experts caution that sustained investment in education, SRHR advocacy, and healthcare infrastructure is essential to maintaining progress. The interplay of family planning, gender equality, and reproductive rights underscores the broader social impact of these initiatives.
Bangladesh’s journey from a high-growth population country to a global role model demonstrates the transformative power of prioritising SRHR. By addressing these issues holistically, the nation can continue to pave the way for a healthier, more equitable future.
Source: BSS
Picture Credit: Unsplash
