With technological advancements breathing new life into the health and medical sectors, Bangladesh has witnessed a substantial decrease in maternal mortality rates. This change is palpable in the improved prenatal care and child nutrition, hallmarks of a nation embracing progress. One impressive effort in improving maternal health is the 'Solving Referral Challenges for Urban Poor to Access Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care' project. This initiative, funded by UNFPA and operated by BRAC through 40 maternity centers in Dhaka, uses an app called 'Ma Jaan' to connect pregnant women in emergencies to the nearest hospital associated with the project.
Many women like Papia Sultana Poppy have received crucial maternal health support through this innovative program. Poppy, a mother of two living in a slum in Dhaka, was able to access important resources and guidance during her second pregnancy thanks to the project's health workers. One of the project's health workers, Parveen, informed her about the local maternity center. Here Poppy found a place where she felt safe and in the right hands. The center’s midwives recorded Poppy’s information, and Parveen regularly monitored her health at home, conducting tests and providing necessary advice and guidance during her pregnancy.
When the critical moment arrived, Poppy, armed with the 'Ma Jaan' app, swiftly secured a connection to a project-affiliated hospital. There, she underwent a successful surgery, marking the beginning of a new chapter as a mother of two. The story didn't end at the hospital discharge; Parveen ensured a continuum of care with diligent postnatal check-ups at Poppy's home, safeguarding the well-being of mother and child for 42 days post-delivery.
The 'Solving Referral Challenges for Urban Poor to Access Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care' project has been successful and a concrete example in using technology to prevent maternal deaths during pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal complications. With the right technological solutions and investments, the healthcare sector in Bangladesh can be further enhanced, thus improving the lives of countless women and children.
