Rangpur: Experts at an inception meeting emphasized the need for coordinated efforts between government and non-governmental organizations to enhance maternal and newborn health services. They asserted that government alone cannot achieve these goals.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the divisional level event was organized by the 'Janani' project for representatives of the government health department and NGOs at the RDRS Bangladesh conference room in Rangpur city. The 'Janani' project, funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and receiving technical assistance from Save the Children in Bangladesh, has been dedicated to maternal and neonatal healthcare in 40 selected unions of Rangpur and Lalmonirhat districts since 2023.
The Janani project collaborates with the Directorate General of Health Services, the Department of Family Planning, and local government institutions to bolster the maternal and neonatal health system in the Rangpur division. The event was graced by Rangpur Divisional Director (Health) Dr. Md Gausul Azim Chowdhury as the chief guest, along with several other notable health professionals and project directors.
Technical Specialist (Maternal and Neonatal Health) Dr. Ashraf-e Afreen moderated the meeting, while Project Manager - Field Operations Dr. Golam Fakhruddin highlighted the objectives, activities, and significance of forming alliances under the Janani Project. Representatives from various international and domestic organizations, including WHO, UNICEF, and BRAC, participated in the event.
The meeting focused on the need to accurately list maternal and neonatal deaths, update information on pregnant mothers, enhance the quality of antenatal and postnatal services, and increase normal deliveries in hospitals. An online Divisional MNH Alliance platform was established to strengthen coordination through regular meetings.
The chief guest expressed optimism that this alliance between international and domestic organizations and the government would render coordinated efforts more effective, further improving maternal and neonatal healthcare in Rangpur division.