Success Factors for Women’s and Children’s Health

Bangladesh has made significant improvements in the health of women and children and has achieved its Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 4 (to reduce child mortality) and is on track to MDG 5a (to reduce maternal mortality). In 2010, the United Nations recognized Bangladesh for its exceptional progress towards MDG 4 and 5a to reduce child and maternal mortality in the face of many socioeconomic challenges.

Bangladesh is facing a critical health workforce crisis. In 2011, there was less than 1 health worker (doctors, nurses and midwives) per 1000 population. The figure recommended by the WHO to achieve 80% coverage for key essential interventions is 23 per 1000. There is a significant opportunity to increase access to quality health services by strengthening the number and capacity of doctors, nurses and midwives. There is a growing unqualified private sector, which is the first line of care for the majority of the rural population. Approaches to improving the quality of care provided by this sector, including improved monitoring and regulation, are needed.

Reference:

World Health Organization. (2015). Success factors for women’s and children’s health: Viet Nam.

http://www.who.int/pmnch/knowledge/publications/bangladesh_country_report.pdf?ua=1

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