The strategic goal for
the Netherlands support to Bangladesh (2005-2008) is the improvement
in the health status of the Bangladeshi population, with particular
emphasis on sexual and reproductive health and rights status of the
Bangladeshi women and girls. The health sector in Bangladesh has
demonstrated significant successes over the past three decades, in
particular in reducing the total fertility rate and decreasing
infant and child mortality rates. However, significant challenges
remain, including persistent high rates of maternal mortality and
malnutrition; addressing violence against women (which counts for at
least 14% of maternal deaths) and limited access to services for
women and girls. Health indicators generally reflect marked gender
inequalities.
Health Nutrition and Population Sector Programme
The Netherlands provides support to the Government of Bangladesh
Health Nutrition and Population Sector Programme (HNPSP). The aim of
HNPSP is to enhance the growth and poverty reduction prospects of
Bangladesh and accelerate progress on the MDG targets set out in the
Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP). The programme builds on the
implementation of the first Health and Population Sector Programme (HPSP),
which marked a shift from a multiple project approach to a single
sector-wide approach (SWAp). The HNP Strategic Investment Plan (SIP)
of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is underpinned by a
three year Programme Implementation plan (PIP).
HNPSP is supported by a large group of development partners. The
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the European Commission,
DFID, UNFPA, and the German and Swedish Embassies pool their funds,
which are administered by the World Bank in a Multi Donor Trust Fund
(MDTF). On 15 October 2006, the Government and the World Bank signed
a MDTF Grant Agreement for the channelling of U$ 460 million grant
funding. Other donors provide specified parallel support to the
programme.
The HNP SIP is consistent with the PRSP, in that it aims to improve
the health systems responsiveness to the HNP needs of the poor by:
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Improving HNP service efficiencies,
including human resource development
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Accelerating progress towards MDG goals
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Improving equity through better targeting of public subsidies to
the poor
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Strengthening the stewardship and governance role of the MOHFW
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Dialogue with civil society and developing mechanisms to
encourage greater ownership of HNPSP by stakeholders.
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Improving sector governance and management
Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV/AIDS
The Netherlands backs specific efforts for improving reproductive
health and reproductive rights of women and adolescents in
Bangladesh through project funding and policy dialogue. The Embassy
is currently exploring possibilities to support a safe motherhood
initiative, and support to scaling up of the national menstrual
regulation programme.
The Netherlands Embassy provides support to Bandhu Social Welfare
Society, a national non-government community based organization, to
improve the reproductive, sexual health and wellbeing of males in
Bangladesh with a focus on those who are socially excluded and
stigmatized.
Health Research
Core funding is provided to the Centre for Health and Population
Research ICDDR,B. The mission of ICDDRB is to develop and promote
realistic solutions to the major health, population and nutrition
problems facing the poor people of Bangladesh and other settings.
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