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Bangladesh reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to maternal health and the elimination of obstetric fistula through a high-level national panel discussion held at the Health Bhaban, organized by the Maternal Health Programme of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The event was convened in collaboration with the Directorate General of Family Planning (DGFP), the Directorate General of Nursing and Midwifery (DGNM), and the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Bangladesh (OGSB), with technical support from UNFPA.
The occasion commemorated both Safe Motherhood Day and the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula 2025, drawing attention to the critical need for reducing maternal mortality and addressing obstetric fistula—one of the most neglected maternal morbidities. This year’s global theme, “Her Health, Her Right: Shaping a Future Without Fistula and Childbirth Injuries,” underscored the importance of equity, dignity, and rights in maternal care.
Dr. S. M. Abdullah-Al-Murad, Line Director of MNCAH, DGHS, opened the event with a welcome speech, emphasizing the national importance of safe motherhood and the integrated programme to end fistula in Bangladesh.
The discussion was enriched by two technical presentations. Professor Farhana Dewan, President of OGSB, outlined national priorities in maternal health, emphasizing the need for quality and respectful care and strengthened facility readiness.
Dr. Animesh Biswas, Programme Specialist from UNFPA, presented Bangladesh’s journey toward ending obstetric fistula by 2030, highlighting achievements, such as the district-based model for early identification, timely referral, and comprehensive rehabilitation of fistula survivors.
Senior representatives from key institutions, including DGHS, DGFP, DGNM, OGSB shared their insights and reaffirmed commitment.
Dr. Vibhavendra Singh Raghuvanshi, Chief of Health at UNFPA, stressed the urgent need to operationalize 24/7 sexual and reproductive health services at the union level to expand access and equity.
Professor Sheikh Sayidul Haque, Additional Director General (Planning & Development), DGHS, acknowledged the panel’s recommendations and emphasized their integration into DGHS’s future planning and implementation frameworks.
Dr. Md. Rizwanur Rahman, Additional Director General (Administration), DGHS, highlighted the need for actionable outcomes from the dialogue and assured that all insights would be communicated across relevant directorates for effective follow-up.
The panel discussion was skillfully moderated by Dr. Abu Sayed Md Hasan, SRHR Specialist at UNFPA, ensuring a dynamic and inclusive dialogue.
The event concluded with a powerful call to action: maternal health must remain a top national priority, and no woman should endure the pain and isolation of preventable childbirth injuries. Bangladesh continues to lead by example in South Asia—demonstrating that with political will, coordinated partnerships, and community engagement, reducing maternal mortality to 70 per 100,000 live births and ending obstetric fistula by 2030 is not just a goal, but an achievable reality.
