Photo : BSS

RANGPUR, Dec 1, 2025 (BSS) – Experts at an inception meeting laid emphasize on the need for coordinated GO-NGO efforts to improve maternal and newborn health (MNH) services because it is not possible for the government alone to do so.
 
They viewed this at the divisional level event organised by the ‘Janani’ project for representatives of the government health department and NGOs at the conference room of RDRS Bangladesh in Rangpur city on Sunday afternoon. 
 
The ‘Janani’ project is being implemented through RDRS Bangladesh with funding from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and technical assistance from Save the Children in Bangladesh. 
 
The project has been working in maternal and neonatal healthcare in 40 selected unions of Rangpur and Lalmonirhat districts since 2023. 

 
The Janani project is working with the Directorate General of Health Services, the Department of Family Planning, and local government institutions to strengthen the maternal and neonatal health system in Rangpur division.  
 
Rangpur Divisional Director (Health) Dr Md Gausul Azim Chowdhury attended the event as the chief guest.
 
Divisional Deputy Director (Health) Dr Md Wazed Ali and Assistant Director Dr Md Mishkatul Abed, Rangpur District Civil Surgeon Dr Shaheen Sultana and Lalmonirhat District Civil Surgeon Dr Md Abdul Hakim and Project Director Dr Ujjwal Roy spoke as special guests. 
 
Technical Specialist (Maternal and Neonatal Health) Dr Ashraf-e Afreen moderated the meeting. 
 
Project Manager - Field Operations Dr Golam Fakhruddin presented the objectives, activities and importance of alliance formation of the Janani Project. 
 
Representatives of various international and domestic organizations, including WHO, UNICEF, International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics (JHPIEGO), BRAC, ESDO, RDRS Bangladesh, Swiss Contact, World Vision, FPAB and Marie Stopes participated in the event. 
 
The meeting emphasized the need to prepare an accurate list of maternal and neonatal deaths, collect updated information on pregnant mothers, improve the quality of antenatal and postnatal services, and increase normal deliveries in hospitals. 
 
At this time, an online Divisional MNH Alliance platform was immediately formed to strengthen coordination towards the direction to continue its activities through regular online and offline meetings in the future. 
 
The chief guest hoped that this alliance activity of international and domestic organizations and the government will make the coordinated efforts of various organizations along with the government more effective. 
 
“At the same time, activities of the alliance will further improve maternal and neonatal healthcare in Rangpur division,” he said.