Uncertainty in aid commitments threatens Bangladesh's progress in maternal health: UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO

A new UN global report shows a 40% decline in maternal deaths worldwide from 2000 to 2023. Notably, Bangladesh has exceeded this global average, achieving a remarkable 79% reduction in its maternal mortality ratio (MMR).

However, this success could be jeopardised by announced and potential funding cuts from key development partners.

In a joint press release, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and UNFPA expressed concerns that these reductions in support could undermine the progress made.

"Bangladesh has achieved a remarkable reduction in maternal mortality rate. Thanks to the government commitment to improving women's economic and educational status, enhancing emergency care for pregnant women, increasing skilled birth attendants, strengthening the community health workers' network, and expanding family planning," said Stanley Gwavuya, UNICEF Representative OiC in Bangladesh.

"Moreover, the dedicated efforts and the support of our development partners have been key to all these initiatives."

A continued reduction in this support could severely hinder Bangladesh's ability to sustain this momentum and reach the Sustainable Development Goal targets. As such, government budget allocation to health will need to sustain the gains, while focusing on strengthening health systems to ensure out-of-pocket spending doesn't leave most vulnerable mothers without their health needs covered," he added.

However, echoing global concerns in the UN report, Bangladesh's progress is now at risk. The report underscores that unprecedented aid cuts are forcing countries to scale back essential maternal, newborn, and child health services.

The new report on maternal mortality underscores both the progress we've made and the urgent challenges ahead

Dr Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed, WHO's Representative in Bangladesh, acknowledged the strides made in Bangladesh but highlighted ongoing challenges, stating, "In Bangladesh, we have made significant strides in improving access to maternal health services, but we know that inequities remain—particularly amongst women living in remote and rural settings as well as poorer households."

"We must act swiftly to ensure every woman, no matter where she lives, has access to the life-saving care she needs during pregnancy and childbirth. The road to eliminating preventable maternal deaths requires solidarity, investment, and sustained action," he further added.

The primary causes of maternal deaths in Bangladesh include obstetric hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, unsafe abortions, and other indirect complications.

The looming funding cuts could result in reduced functionality of healthcare facilities, loss of healthcare professionals, and disruptions to essential supply chains, potentially undermining the availability and quality of maternal care in the country.

The WHO has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Bangladesh and other nations in strengthening their health systems.

"Bangladesh has achieved an extraordinary 79% reduction in maternal mortality since 2000. We're proud that this achievement has received international recognition, with Bangladesh having been chosen, in the new 'Midwifery Accelerator' initiative, launched this week during the 58th Session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD58), as one of six champion-countries for implementation of the midwifery model of care," said Masaki Watabe, UNFPA representative in Bangladesh.

"This achievement clearly demonstrates the power of investing strategically in midwives, who provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, including maternal healthcare across the country," he continued.

"With the Government's leadership and the support of development partners, Bangladesh has trained and deployed thousands of professional midwives who are delivering life-saving maternity care, especially in rural and hard-to-reach communities, as well as in humanitarian settings, such as for Rohingya refugees. Midwives can avert two-thirds of maternal and newborn deaths and stillbirths."

"Given current global funding challenges that risk stalling progress, it is crucial to protect and increase investments in midwifery and sexual and reproductive healthcare, especially in primary health facilities, to ensure every woman has access to the quality care from a midwife that she needs and deserves," Masaki added.