Better maternal, child healthcare stressed

Experts have underscored that quality healthcare and nutrition services for mothers and children are essential to building a healthy, productive and resilient nation.

They stressed the need to ensure access to quality health and nutrition services for mothers and children in remote and underserved areas of Bangladesh to help bridge the gap between vulnerability and a healthier future.

The observations were made on Wednesday at a national-level learning dissemination event in Dhaka organised by the Institute of Public Health Nutrition (IPHN) with support from Helen Keller Intl Bangladesh. The event highlighted achievements and lessons from the ‘Transforming Lives Through Nutrition’ project, part of a global consortium funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and implemented in 12 countries, including Bangladesh, by Helen Keller Intl, Vitamin Angels and iDE.

Speakers said government efforts alone are not enough and called on private-sector organisations and development partners to play a greater role in improving maternal and child nutrition. They emphasised coordinated action among the health, agriculture, water and local government sectors.

Chief guest Sheikh Momena Moni, Additional Secretary (WH Wing) of the Health Services Division under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, said that alongside raising awareness, it is essential to ensure the provision of necessary nutrition support. She also underscored the importance of early detection of malnutrition, timely treatment, and improving the skills and quality of frontline health workers.

She further emphasised that expanding access to community-based nutrition services and strengthening nutrition information systems for vulnerable mothers and children require strong partnerships between government, non-government organisations and development partners.

Pooja Pandey Rana, Country Director for Bangladesh and Nepal at Helen Keller Intl, said the organisation’s work does not end with reporting the project’s achievements. She reaffirmed Helen Keller Intl’s commitment to working closely with the Government of Bangladesh to reach the most vulnerable women and children and build on the lessons learned to accelerate nutrition gains across the country.