Data for selected indicators associated with sociodemographic characteristics among ever-married women, contraception use, child vaccination, antenatal care practices and health conditions were extracted from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in 1993–94, 1996–1997, 1999–2000, 2004 and 2007. Results for the whole sample and for the poorest and the richest wealth quintiles are presented.
Despite their relatively modest economies, some of the basic population health indicators of Kerala and Sri Lanka are similar to that of the developed nations. Following a review of recent evidence on infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, mental health and suicides, and maternal mortality, this paper argues that there are challenges arising from declining investments in the public health sector (and increasing privatisation) and inadequate attention to the social determinants of health. It also lists suggestions for policy and a research agenda to further health equity.
Bhutan recognizes health as a prerequisite for economic and spiritual development, poverty reduction and the road to Gross National Happiness. This policy re-emphasizes and recognizes the values of democracy, which is transparency and equity in the delivery of health services.
Chandigarh Haryana has witnessed a sharp decline of 17.74% in maternal mortality ratio (MMR) as a result of various healthcare facilities being provided free of cost to the pregnant women by the state government to promote institutional deliveries.
As per data released by the Registrar General of India, the MMR in Haryana had come down from 186 in 2004-05 to 153 per one lakh live births in 2009
The first-ever comprehensive systematic review of all studies over the past 50 years has established clearly that maternal smoking causes a range of serious birth defects including heart defects, missing/deformed limbs, clubfoot, gastrointestinal disorders, and facial disorders (for example, of the eyes and cleft lip/palate).
With a view to improving the maternal and neonatal health status in Bangladesh, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has launched 'Safe Motherhood Promotion Project (SMPP) phase-II on Frid
In the year that saw the establishment of a new UN agency for women, minority and indigenous women faced systematic violence, discrimination and marginalization. Both their identity as women and their membership of disadvantaged communities placed them at risk.
The MDG Report 2011, shining a spotlight on where progress is being made and where stronger efforts are urgently needed. The report presents the latest statistics on each of the Goals, globally and regionally, collected through more than 25 UN and international agencies. This year's report shows that the world is on track to reducing the proportion of people living in extreme poverty by half.
Health is currently a privilege in India. Not a right. Maternal and child health remains neglected even after countless plans, programmes and political proclamations. Every year, nearly 60,000 women die in pregnancy and childbirth, while approximately 1.7 million children less than five years of age also die. In absolute numbers, India outranks all other countries in both regards.
