Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) – The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has pledged to fund $70 million in the next five-year (2012-16) plan to improve maternal and reproductive health and tackle violence against women in Bangladesh
UNFPA Executive Director Dr Babatunde Osotimehin said this at a press conference at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel in the capital on Friday, ending his three-day visit to Bangladesh.
In the last five-year program, the UNFPA funding was around $40 million, officials said.
Terming violence against women a major concern, Babatunde said, “I appeal to all men to ‘Man Up’ (a global campaign) and help end violence against our sisters and daughters.”
During his stay, the UNFPA chief met the prime minister, foreign minister, health minister, and finance minister. He also visited several health facilities in Manikganj.
Babatunde appreciated Bangladesh’s performance in family planning, reduction in maternal and child mortality rates, and poverty and the commitment of the government to the sector.
In the last 35 years, fertility rates have dropped from 6.3 children per woman to about 2.5. Maternal mortality rate has reduced to 194 per lakh, which was 574 in 1990-95. Babatunde, however, said there is a huge scope for improvement.
UNFPA Country Representative Arthur Erken, Economic Relations Division Secretary Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan, and Health Secretary Humayun Kabir were present.
BBN/SSR/AD-20Aug11-11:57 am (BST)
