The World Health Organization (WHO) has congratulated Bangladesh for successfully achieving the target of reducing maternal mortality ratio well ahead of the 2030 deadline set by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Tuesday handed over a congratulatory letter to Minister of Health and Family Welfare Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain at the 79th session of the WHO South-East Asia Regional Committee, which is being held in Dili, East Timor from 7-10 September 2026, according to a media statement of the health ministry.
The congratulatory letter read that this achievement by Bangladesh is an important milestone in public health.
Behind this success, there has been strong leadership of the government, effective health policies, well-organised reproductive and maternal health programmes, and significant progress in reaching the people with essential health services, it said.
In addition, ensuring delivery and midwifery services through skilled health workers, public participation, and collaboration with various partners have also played important roles in achieving the success.
The WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia also congratulated the government for maintaining its position in eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus over the past 10 years. Strong national commitment, high-quality immunisation services and safe delivery practices across the country have contributed significantly to this achievement, according to it.
The congratulatory letter said Bangladesh's achievement contributes significantly to the collective efforts of WHO South-East Asia Region Member States to maintain the regional gains in eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus over the past decade.
The WHO South-East Asia Regional Office is deeply honored to recognise the achievements of the government of Bangladesh, especially the contribution of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and congratulates Bangladesh for these significant public health successes, said the statement.
