In a significant move towards improving sexual and reproductive health services for young women, SERAC-Bangladesh has officially launched the “Access to SRHR for Young Women” project, supported by SAAF/IPPF. The inception meeting, held on 12th July, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, health professionals, and representatives from health facilities, to outline the project’s goals and anticipated impact.The meeting was a platform for a vibrant discussion on how to best implement and expand the project. Here are some key takeaways:
Dr. Suchitra Saha, Senior Consultant from Mohammadpur Fertility Services stressed the need for counseling to alleviate fears surrounding SRH and PAC services.
Mr. Niranjan Bandhu Dam, Deputy Director of District Family Planning; Netrokona, highlighted the importance of including more centers in the project and developing culturally appropriate educational materials.
Dr. Md. Shamsul Haque, Program Manager from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) called for a coordinated approach to combat social prejudices and improve public awareness.
Mr. Dr. Syed Rubayet, Country Director of IPAS Bangladesh, expressed optimism about expanding the project to more districts and leveraging technology to reach a wider audience.
Dr. Zebun Nessa Rahman, Family Planning Specialist, emphasized that improving the quality of SRH and PAC services starts with evaluating and optimizing health centers to ensure effective SRH and PAC services.
Dr Abu Jamil Faisel, FP2030 CSO Focal Point for Bangladesh, highlighted the need for increased public awareness about SRH and PAC, including education on emergency contraceptives and the importance of addressing misconceptions surrounding SRH and PAC.
SM Shaikat, Executive Director of SERAC-Bangladesh, emphasized the importance of overcoming societal misconceptions about sexual and reproductive health. The project aims to educate both service providers and the community to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Dr Nurun Nahar Begum, Line Director, Clinical Contraception Services Delivery Programme Unit, Directorate General of Family Planning;stressed the importance of collaboration among the Directorate General of Family Planning, the Directorate General of Health Services, and various NGOs. By working together, these organizations can enhance the effectiveness of reproductive health services and ensure that they reach those who need them most.
Sahan Ara Banu (NDC), Director General, praised SERAC-Bangladesh’s initiative and suggested involving local representatives and stakeholders for a smoother implementation process.
The project will initially focus on 20 health centers in Mymensingh and Netrokona districts to improve service quality, increasing community awareness, and utilizing digital platforms to enhance accessibility by SERAC-Bangladesh.
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