Foreign adviser lauds UNFPA's role in maternal health, gender equity in Bangladesh

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain today (26 June) praised UNFPA's contributions to Bangladesh's achievements in maternal health, family planning, gender equality and humanitarian response over the past decades.

He also highlighted the government's desire to continue building its fruitful partnership with UNFPA.

UNFPA's newly appointed Country Representative in Bangladesh, Catherine Breen Kamkong, formally presented her credentials to Adviser Hossain.

Catherine Breen Kamkong, who is a national of Australia, has served with the United Nations in various capacities since 2011 and brings with her over 20 years of experience in international development and humanitarian response.

During the credential handover held at the foreign adviser's office, Hossain congratulated Catherine Breen Kamkong, for assuming her new duty in Bangladesh.

"UNFPA plays a crucial role in Bangladesh, particularly in reducing preventable maternal deaths and advancing adolescent health to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals," Hossain said.

While notable progress has been made, significant challenges persist, especially in ensuring equitable access to reproductive health information and services for women and girls, he said.

"Every preventable death is one too many. Keeping girls in school to end child marriage, and addressing the needs of underserved populations—especially in urban slums—through expanded economic opportunities and essential health services, are central to our collective efforts to build a more just and equitable society," said the foreign adviser.

Kamkong said Bangladesh's steady progress in reducing maternal mortality is globally recognised.

"The country is also undergoing a profound demographic transition, with notable achievements across several indicators, including increased life expectancy, particularly among women. I am deeply honoured to lead UNFPA at this pivotal moment," she said.

Kamkong said they are committed to building on this success while tackling both persistent and emerging challenges, including addressing inequities, advancing gender equality and sexual and reproductive health, meeting the needs of adolescents and youth, ending gender-based violence and child marriage, and addressing the complex issues arising from population dynamics and climate change.

"Together, we will move closer to our shared vision: zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unmet need for family planning, and zero gender-based violence and harmful practices —a future that is more inclusive, equitable, and resilient for all," said UNFPA Representative Kamkong.