Dhaka, 25 June 2024 — Canada is supporting Bangladesh to improve primary healthcare systems for women, children, and adolescents through its partnership with UNICEF and UNFPA.

The five-year project, titled “Health System Strengthening for Primary Health Care”, will address critical gaps in the healthcare system, particularly in five underserved rural areas (Kurigram, Bhola, Khagrachari, Sherpur, and Sunamganj) and will reduce maternal and child mortality while promoting gender equality and access to quality health care.

Despite progress over the past decade, maternal mortality in Bangladesh remains a significant concern. This rate has decreased from 194 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2010 to 136 in 2023, a reduction of around 30 per cent. However, this reduction is still far from the Sustainable Development Goal of 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. Many of these deaths are due to preventable conditions like hemorrhage and eclampsia.

The Canadian-funded project targets over 1.9 million women of reproductive age, two thirds of whom are adolescent girls, and nearly 6 million children including newborns and under 5 years old, ensuring they have access to essential healthcare services.