Bangladesh did better than most Asian countries in nutrition and child mortality, says Nasim

Bangladesh did better than most Asian countries by reaching the primary targets of MDG 1 and 4 (nutrition and child mortality) ahead of time, says Health and Family Welfare Minister Mohammed Nasim.

He said his country was well on course to achieve the maternal mortality target of MDG 5.

Nasim was addressing a two-day seminar on “Global Call to Action Summit 2015: Ending preventable Child and Maternal Deaths” in New Delhi of Thursday.

He said, “In recognition of our achievement in reduction in child mortality, Bangladesh received the MDG Achievement Award in 2010.”

The minister said Bangladesh government gave priority to reduction of maternal mortality and took many initiatives which were reflected in the Third Health, Population and Nutrition Sector Development Program.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the seminar, which was attended by ministers and senior officials of different countries and high officials of the UN, UNICEF, WHO.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Syed Muazzem Ali also attended the seminar.

“Today, as we gather here to discuss strategies and as we transit from the Millennium Development Goals to Sustainable Development Goals, let us acknowledge the sad reality that the world continues to lose about 289 thousand mothers and 6.3 million under-5 children every year,” said Modi.

“The 24 priority countries participating in the Summit contribute nearly 70% of the preventable maternal and child deaths.”

This two-day summit, celebrating the achievements of the participating countries in the area of maternal and child health, was conceptualised to accelerate joint leadership for ending preventable deaths among mothers and children.

“India would be happy to assist any country with technology, system strengthening and programme implementation capsules,” the Indian prime minister said.

“We could train personnel and provide them skills for better management of child sickness in our Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs) as well as share our experience at home based new born care.

“India’s rich experience in Universal immunization and particularly its experience this year with the Mission Indradhanush could be shared with all the countries,” Modi added.

Nasim, who is also Presidium member of Awami League, called on Indian President Pranab Mukherjee at the Rashtrapati Bhaban this evening to express his deep sorrow at the recent demise of First Lady Suvra Mukherjee.

His wife and High Commissioner Ali accompanied the minister.