The Maternal and Newborn Health Initiative in Bangladesh aims to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, particularly among poor and marginalized populations.

A joint project of UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO, working in partnership with the Government, the programme was initially designed to support Bangladesh in reaching MDGs 4 and 5. With funding from DFID and the European Commission, the project ran from 2007 to 2016, in two phases that covered 17.5 million people in 11 districts. It focused on improving community practices related to maternal and neonatal health and increasing the use of quality services among poor, excluded, marginalized and hard to reach populations. It applied innovative and evidence-based approaches, with an emphasis on district and local level planning and budgeting to help authorities respond to local maternal and newborn health needs. Gender equality and women’s participation in planning and community activities were emphasized throughout.

Community-level activities increased as a result of the project, and produced positive changes in seeking care, birth preparedness, institutional deliveries, referrals and access to services. Between 2011 and 2015, antenatal care contacts increased by 62 per cent, postnatal care provided at facilities increased by 42 per cent, and institutional deliveries increased by 34 per cent.