Dhaka: Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain today lauded the contributions of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to Bangladesh’s achievements in maternal health, family planning, gender equality, and humanitarian response over the past decades. He also emphasized the government’s intent to continue strengthening its productive partnership with UNFPA in the days ahead.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Adviser made the remarks as UNFPA’s newly appointed Country Representative in Bangladesh, Catherine Breen Kamkong, formally presented her credentials during a meeting at the foreign ministry. Congratulating Kamkong on assuming her new role, Touhid stated that UNFPA plays a crucial role in Bangladesh, particularly in reducing preventable maternal deaths and advancing adolescent health to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
In response, Kamkong commended Bangladesh for its steady progress in maternal health. She noted that Bangladesh’s steady progress in reducing maternal mortality is globally recognised and highlighted the country’s demographic shift and improvement across key health and development indicators. Kamkong expressed her honour in leading UNFPA during this pivotal moment, acknowledging the country’s profound demographic transition and notable achievements, including increased life expectancy, particularly among women.
Kamkong reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh in facing ongoing and emerging challenges. An Australian national, Kamkong brings over two decades of experience in international development and humanitarian response, having served with the United Nations since 2011 in various capacities.