BSS, Colombo :
Bangladesh has got the prestigious recognition from the World Health Organisation (WHO) for successfully eliminating Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT).
According to WHO, MNT is among the most common lethal consequences of unclean deliveries and umbilical cord care practices. Mortality rates are extremely high, especially when tetanus develops, but appropriate medical care is not available. MNT deaths, however, can easily be prevented by hygienic delivery and cord care practices, and by immunizing mothers with tetanus vaccine, which is also affordable and very effective, WHO noted. “MNT elimination is a big success for us,” State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Zahid Maleque told BSS after receiving the WHO certificate for the achievement. The WHO handed over the certificate to the Bangladesh’s state minister at a programme held Tuesday at the WHO’s South Asia regional office in the capital city of the Island State, Sri Lanka. Maleque is visiting Colombo for attending the 69th session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia began on September 5.
Referring to the various initiatives of the government for ensuring public health with developing health services, the state minister said the government would continue its efforts for making further progress in eliminating maternal and neonatal mortality caused by others difficulties. He said Bangladesh has limited resources, but the government is committed to establish and ensure a standard health service for developing a nation capable of persuading higher economic growth. Maleque said as part of different activities, the government is arranging training programmes regularly for midwives and for other health staff especially who work at the community clinics to develop skilled manpower, essential for improving health services..
