Bangladesh has made some improvements in access to antenatal care, and maternal mortality is declining. However, insufficient progress has been made in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality and it is off track to meet the MDG for reducing maternal mortality.
The shortage of skilled birth attendants and the low usage where they exist is a key factor behind continued high rates of maternal mortality, especially for the poor. More needs to be done to improve and expand maternal and neonatal care. In addition there is limited statistical data about how and why changes are taking place in maternal mortality rates. The IDC recommends that DFID increase and expand its funding for maternal care, including increased evaluation and monitoring of programmes to establish which are most effective. It should also increase its focus on promoting the benefits of assisted deliveries, specifically targeted towards the poorest families. Gender inequality also continues to be a significant problem in Bangladesh. Women remain largely marginalised in the home and excluded from key decision-making. More needs to be done to challenge the traditional role of women in Bangladesh.
You can read the full report here: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmselect/cmintdev/95/95i.pdf
