BTV to air serial on maternity
Although Bangladesh has improved its maternal mortality rate over the years, large number of deaths still occur due to childbirth in the country's remote areas, health experts said yesterday at the premiere of a television serial in the capital.
The 26-episode serial, Sonali Alo, is based on healthcare information for pregnant women and newborn babies.
Speakers discussed, at the premiere held at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel, about how the drama is designed to create awareness and understanding of the issue particularly among those living in remote areas.
Although the maternal mortality ratio has declined from 574 in 1990 to 194 in 2010, the 5th goal of Millennium Development Goals for Bangladesh is to reach 143 for every 100,000 births by 2015, says UNDP's MDG report.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr AFM Ruhal Haque said maternal mortality rate and mortality rate of children under the age of 5 have declined successfully but a greater challenge is to create awareness and build knowledge and understanding about safe health practices among the underprivileged and poor especially those residing in remote areas.
Presently there are about 11,000 community clinics providing quality healthcare but the number needs to be increased, he said.
Prime Minister's Health and Social Welfare Adviser Dr Syed Modasser Ali said special programmes should be designed to disseminate knowledge of good health practices and prenatal and postnatal healthcare for the underprivileged living in hard to reach areas such as city slums, Chittagong Hill Tracts, and haor areas.
Sonali Alo will be aired on Bangladesh Television (BTV) from next month.
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