Why the lack of data on how climate change affects public health?

The Daily Star
Mar 04, 2024

Why the lack of data on how climate change affects public health?


After decades of unwavering collaboration among government bodies, non-governmental organisations, and development partners, Bangladesh stands out among low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) for its improved health outcomes, especially in maternal and child health. Bangladesh's current maternal mortality rate is 123 per 100,000 live births, significantly lower than the LMICs' average of 232. Our under-five mortality rate is also commendable at 31 per 1,000 live births. These successes are thanks to the expansion of maternal healthcare, increased use of modern contraception, and lower fertility rates. But despite these strides, Bangladesh falls short of Sustainable Development Goal targets set for 2030, just six years away. Slower progress in maternal and child health indicators, coupled with stagnation in contraception use, present challenges. To address them, Bangladesh must prioritise all potential impediments to maternal and child health.