Kurigram: A special meeting of the Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) Working Group was held at the Terre des Hommes conference room to ensure emergency reproductive health services during and after floods. LAMB Hospital organized the meeting with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to ensure maternal and newborn health services during the floods and natural disasters in the Kurigram district.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting featured Professor Dr. Sheikh Sayidul Haque, Additional Director General (Planning and Development) of the Directorate General of Health Services, who attended as the chief guest. The event was presided over by the Civil Surgeon of Kurigram, Dr. Swapan Kumar Biswas. Notable attendees included Dr. Md Shahidullah, Superintendent of Kurigram General Hospital, and Md Modabber Hossain, Deputy Director of the Family Planning Department, along with other health officials and representatives from UNFPA and UNICEF.
During the meeting, Mahatab Liton, Reproductive Maternal Neonatal Child-Adolescent Health (SRMNCAH) project manager of LAMB Hospital, outlined the project activities related to reproductive health. UNFPA Program Analyst Md Shamsuzzaman provided a PowerPoint presentation on maternal and reproductive health care, emphasizing the advanced plans to ensure services during floods and other natural disasters.
Professor Dr. Sheikh Sayidul Haque highlighted the vulnerability of pregnant mothers and newborns during natural disasters like floods, stressing the importance of ensuring their healthcare. Md Modabber Hossain discussed the necessity of at least four checkups during pregnancy to increase institutional deliveries, especially during flood periods. Dewan Mohammad Emdadul Haque from UNICEF mentioned the ongoing efforts of the Health and Family Planning Department to improve the district's health indicators.
Dr. Swapan Kumar Biswas acknowledged the challenges of providing reproductive health services in flood-affected areas but expressed optimism due to the coordinated efforts of national and international development agencies. The meeting concluded with participants sharing suggestions to enhance healthcare activities during and after floods, with representatives from various development agencies in attendance.