Maternal health in Bangladesh faces significant challenges. According to Every Mother Counts, it is estimated that there are 245 maternal deaths per every 100,000 live births. Annually, approximately 7,660 Bangladeshi women die from preventable pregnancy and childbirth-related causes.

Causes of Maternal Mortality in Bangladesh

Maternal mortality ranks as the third leading cause of death for women aged 15 to 49 in Bangladesh, where most of these deaths are preventable through high-quality prenatal care and skilled attendance during labor and delivery. Poor health care facilities and limited access to them indirectly contribute to maternal mortality in the country. The two primary direct causes are obstetric hemorrhage, accounting for nearly one-third of maternal deaths and eclampsia, responsible for 23% of maternal deaths.

The State of Maternal Health Care in Bangladesh

Home births dominate in Bangladesh, with 71% occurring at home, yet only 4% receive attention from trained birth attendants. The country’s health worker coverage is at a mere 17% of the global threshold, highlighting a critical shortage of skilled birth attendants, especially in rural areas. For instance, in Cox’s Bazar, a rural area with one of Bangladesh’s highest maternal mortality rates, 90% of women give birth at home without trained attendants or emergency care access due to the region’s health care facility scarcity.

Further analysis of maternal health in Bangladesh reveals that 38% of maternal deaths occur on the day of delivery and 6% occur one day after. Additionally, 19% of these deaths happen at home, another 19% occur while en route to health care facilities, 49% occur in public health care facilities and 13% in private ones. Notably, about 80% of women who give birth in public facilities also die in these settings, underscoring the challenges within Bangladesh’s public health care system.

Efforts of CARE International and Other NGOs

CARE International, an NGO, has launched various programs to enhance maternal health in Bangladesh, including the Joint Action for Nutrition Outcome (JANO). This program educates mothers and pregnant women about health issues, nutrition and precautions during and after pregnancy, reshaping their understanding of the importance of accessing professional health care services.

In addition, the SHOUHARDO III program, another initiative by CARE, has made significant strides in enhancing maternal health in Bangladesh. In 2021, it trained female private community skilled birth attendants to assist pregnant and lactating women in the remote Char and Haor areas of northern Bangladesh. These trained professionals offer safe delivery services, antenatal and postnatal checkups, counseling, and referrals.

Other international organizations are also playing a key role in enhancing maternal health in Bangladesh. Among them, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), through its ‘Solving Referral Challenges for Urban Poor to Access Emergency Obstetric and  Newborn Care’ project, collaborates with 40 maternity centers in Dhaka. The initiative leverages the ‘Ma Jaan’ app, connecting pregnant women in emergencies to the nearest participating hospital. This effort not only aims to bolster maternal health in Bangladesh but also leverages technology to propel the health care sector forward.

Looking Ahead

Efforts by CARE International and other NGOs are paving the way for improved maternal health in Bangladesh, showcasing the potential for significant advancements through education, training and technology. With continued focus and support, these initiatives promise a brighter future for Bangladeshi mothers, reducing preventable maternal deaths and ensuring safer childbirth experiences across the country.

– Olusegun Odejobi

Olusegun is based in Norwich, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr