Reproductive Health in Crisis: 6,500 mothers die annually in Bangladesh

Every year, 6,500 mothers in Bangladesh lose their lives to reproductive health issues. This staggering number, revealed by Dr Ahmed Ehsanur Rahman, Associate Scientist at icddr’b, paints a grim picture of a silent crisis gripping the country. 

The plight of these mothers is not an isolated tragedy; it is part of a global crisis affecting 1.96 lakh women worldwide. The stark reality is that countless lives are being lost due to preventable reproductive health complications. It is a devastating loss that leaves families shattered, children motherless, and communities weakened.

In Bangladesh alone, an additional 40,000 women succumb to cervical cancer each year. This disease, which is largely preventable through early detection and vaccination, claims the lives of mothers who should be nurturing their children and contributing to their communities. Furthermore, the number of deaths resulting from unsafe abortions or miscarriages stands at an additional 150 to 200 women annually. These deaths, shrouded in secrecy and stigma, represent a silent suffering that demands urgent attention.

It is heartening to know that researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and youth are coming together at the National Conference 2023: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Bangladesh to address this pressing issue. This gathering of minds and expertise provides hope for finding innovative solutions and creating a sustainable change in the state of reproductive health.

To truly improve the situation, we need a multi-faceted approach. First and foremost, comprehensive sex education must be made widely available, ensuring that both women and men have the knowledge and understanding necessary to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. Secondly, accessible and affordable healthcare services, including reproductive health screenings and vaccinations, must be provided throughout the country. The government, NGOs, and international partners must work together to ensure that quality healthcare reaches even the most marginalized communities.

The NCSRHR2023 was an opportunity to examine these challenges and propose evidence-based solutions. It is a platform where we can confront the harsh realities facing mothers in Bangladesh and ignite a movement for change. Let us seize this moment to demand a brighter future for every mother and child in our nation.

Source: The Business Standard