On 28 September 2020, the implementation of the Project on “Providing Safe, Comprehensive and Appropriate Intervention to Prevent Postpartum Hemorrhage for Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Bangladesh” was launched virtually in Dhaka. The project is being implemented by Partners in Population and Development (PPD) in joint collaboration with the Directorate General of Family Planning (DGFP) under the leadership and guidance of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Government of Bangladesh. The Project was funded by the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund (SSCAF) of the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the Country chairing PPD.
The Launching Ceremony was graced by H.E. Mr. Zahid Maleque MP, Hon. Minister of Health and Family Welfare of the Government of Bangladesh as the Chief Guest. The Ceremony was also blessed by the attendance and interventions made by the most distinguished dignitaries constituting High Ranking Government Officials and renowned subject experts from Bangladesh, Representative of the Diplomatic Missions, United Nations Agencies, National and International Media, Heads of District Administration of Gazipur and Kaliganj including field level officials of six Upazilas where the project is being implemented. Mention should be made about the graceful attendance and wonderful presentation by the country’s premier Maternal Health Expert Prof. Sameena Chowdhury, Chairperson of the OGSB of Bangladesh.
It would be worth mentioning few of the 73 participants attended the event, such as, Mr. Md. Abdul Mannan, Secretary of Health Services, Mr. Ali Noor, Secretary of Medical Education, Mr. Nitish Chandra Sarkar, Additional Secretary of the Medical Education of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Government of Bangladesh. Further Ms. Shahan Ara Banu, Director General of Family Planning, Prof. Dr. Abdul Bashar Mohammad Khurshid Alam, Director General of Health Services, Ms. Asa B. Torkelsson, UNFPA Country Director in Bangladesh, Mr. He Zhaohua, Deputy Director General of the National Health Commission of the Government of China including Mr. Adnene Ben Haj Aissa, Executive Director of PPD. Most importantly the very high-level Representative of the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka including the Representatives from Embassies and High Commission of Morocco, Pakistan, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Egypt also attended the event.
While all the distinguished speakers emphasized and ensured their all-out support and assistance towards the reduction of the Maternal Mortality in Bangladesh, Prof. Sameena Chowdhury made a very incisive presentation highlighting the most important technical issues in enhancing the maternal mortality based on her experiences and wisdom gained throughout her illustrious professional career. It was absolutely encouraging that the Hon. Minister, two Hon. Secretaries and the Director Generals of Health Services and Family Planning attended and spoke in the same event all committing their leadership, guidance, support and assistance towards implementation of the project for reducing maternal mortal mortality in Bangladesh.
As a matter of fact, it is unprecedented to have the close involvement and support of the highest policy level of the Government towards the implementation of the Project. It is therefore expected that the project will make meaningful and substantial contribution towards the reduction of maternal mortality in Bangladesh. It will make Bangladesh role model for other countries to replicate its wonderful experiences in this area. On conclusion of the Launching Ceremony, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Government of Bangladesh and Partners in Population and Development (PPD) concurrently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) delineating the terms of the Project Implementation.