Tracking Progress on Maternal Health and Family Planning: An Analysis of SDG Indicators 3.1.2 and 3.7.1 in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a densely populated country over 170 million people located in the South Asian region. Over the years, it has achieved impressive advances in health care, education, and poverty alleviation. The implementation of different programs jointly collaborated by international development partners and the Government of Bangladesh has been able to uplift people’s livelihoods. Despite those advances, many challenges still persist, particularly in rural and low-income communities. The lack of trained health care workers, including birth attendants, is one of the most glaring public health challenges. Furthermore, public health issues like maternal and child health is worsened by the fact that many women have not access to modern family planning methods yet. In view of these challenges, Bangladesh carries out the Demographic and Health Survey to gather information related to healthcare services, birth attendance, and family planning, etc. This knowledge allows policymakers and organizations to make informed decisions that can enhance access to healthcare nationwide.