Accelerating Progress towards Maternal and Neonatal Mortality and Morbidity Reduction (Bangladesh)

The Maternal and Newborn Health Initiative in Bangladesh worked to improve community maternal and neonatal health practices and use of quality services, particularly among poor and excluded populations, to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, in line with MDGs 4 and 5. It emphasized local level planning and budgeting to help authorities respond to local maternal and newborn health needs, procurement of essential medicines and supplies, support for community health volunteers and community support groups.

A joint effort of UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO, with funding from the European Commission and the United Kingdom, the programme ran from 2007 to 2012. A second phase was completed in 2016.