The World Health Organization (WHO) has congratulated Bangladesh for successfully achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target of reducing the maternal mortality rate well ahead of 2030 deadline.
At the ongoing 79th session of WHO South-East Asia Regional Committee, being held in Dili, East Timor, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus handed over a congratulatory letter on Tuesday to Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain.
In the letter, the global health body described Bangladesh’s achievement as a significant milestone in public health.
This success has been driven by the government’s strong leadership, effective health policies, well-organised reproductive and maternal health programmes, and remarkable progress in bringing essential healthcare services to the public.
Ensuring delivery services through skilled health workers and midwifery, public participation, and close cooperation with various stakeholders also played crucial roles in this success.
The WHO South-East Asia Regional Office congratulated Bangladesh for maintaining its maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination status for the past 10 years.
A strong national commitment, high-quality immunisation services, and the nationwide practice of safe deliveries have been the key pillars supporting this long-term achievement.
The letter highlighted that Bangladesh’s success has made a vital contribution to the collective regional efforts of WHO South-East Asia member states in sustaining the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus over the past decade.
The WHO regional office stated that it is a matter of great honour to recognise the accomplishments of Bangladesh government, particularly the efforts of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and congratulated the nation for these outstanding public health successes.
