The “Safe Motherhood Day-2019” will be observed today (Tuesday) in the country in a befitting manner, reports BSS.
This year’s theme of the day is “Dignity and Right: Pledge to Midwife Service at Health Centers”.
President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday issued separate messages on the occasion of the day.
The President, in his message, said safe motherhood is right to every mother and it is essential for a beautiful and meaningful life. Realizing the importance, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had declared the May 28 as the Safe Motherhood Day in 1997, he said.
The President said the country has attained remarkable success in reducing child and maternal mortality rate in the last one decade.
Bangladesh is now considered as a role model of development in health sector, he added.
In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the development of maternal and child health is the indispensible part of national development.
She said the country has achieved outstanding success in maternal and child health development in the last one decade as child and maternal morality and population growth rate have reduced.
The premier said her government has introduced three-year ‘midwifery course’ to ensure safe delivery and motherhood.
“We have big challenge ahead to reduce the maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births and reduce newborn mortality to 12 per 1,000 live births by 2030 to attain Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” she said.
To meet the challenge, she said, the Health and Family Welfare Ministry is working to implement fourth health sector programme (2017-22) in light with the national seventh five year plan and Vision 2021. The President and the Prime Minister wished success of the observance of the Safe Motherhood Day.
