The government has formed a task force to review the country’s maternal and newborn health situation, identify key barriers and accelerate progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets on maternal and child health.

The 16-member committee, headed by the state minister for health and family welfare, was formed through a notification issued by the Health Services Division yesterday.

The task force includes senior officials from the health ministry and its departments, alongside representatives from UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO and the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Bangladesh (OGSB).

According to the notification, the committee will monitor progress on national maternal and newborn health priorities, oversee the implementation of decisions, and work to remove policy and operational bottlenecks.

It will also coordinate maternal and newborn health-related activities among the government, professional bodies, development partners and UN agencies, while holding regular review meetings.

The committee has been empowered to co-opt members if necessary. The order took effect immediately, the notification said.