Rural areas in Bangladesh, like Zakiganj, a subdistrict located in northeastern border region of Sylhet district, continue to face significant health challenges despite the nation's overall progress in healthcare. With a population of approximately 250,000, Zakiganj is served by only one 50-beded government health center. The inadequate infrastructure, shortage of trained healthcare providers and low healthcare services contributes to the higher maternal and infant mortality rates compared to surrounding regions. (https://today.thefinancialexpress.com.bd/country/medicare-absent-at-zakiganj-upazila-health-complex-for-doctor-shortage-1551016758), (https://app.dghs.gov.bd/localhealthbulletin2014/publish/publish.php?org=10002204&year=2014).
A community health worker of PRF visiting a household during surveillance, Zakiganj
According to UNICEF, in 2014, Sylhet had the lowest disparities in key maternal and newborn health interventions compared to most districts in Bangladesh (country%20profile_BGD-5.pdf). This is of great concern and requires policy level discussions with key stakeholders and intervention to improve maternal and child health.
To address these issues, we advocate for enhanced policy measures focusing on increasing healthcare funding, expanding the number of healthcare facilities, improving infrastructure, and implementing comprehensive training programs for healthcare workers. Such measures can ensure that mothers and children in Zakiganj receive the quality care they need. Even newborn health care is possible in rural areas like Zakiganj (https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-218226).
Key stakeholders in this advocacy would include the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (http://www.mohfw.gov.bd/), UNICEF Bangladesh (https://www.unicef.org/bangladesh/en) , Projahnmo Research Foundation, PRF (https://www.prfbd.org/), World Health Organization (https://www.who.int/bangladesh ), BRAC (https://www.brac.net/ ), and Save the Children Bangladesh (https://bangladesh.savethechildren.net/ ) . Each organization brings unique strengths to the table, starting from policy implementation to providing technical support, quality training to health care workers and on ground services. Their collaboration and support is essential for a holistic approach to improving health outcomes in this region.
Call for Action:
We urge the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to prioritize maternal and child health in Zakiganj by increasing funding and resources. Collaborating with organizations like PRF and BRAC will provide the necessary evidence including their years of research in this region, and pilot programs to support these policy changes. Immediate action is very important to reduce mortality rates and improve the overall health of mothers and children in rural Zakiganj.
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