“One of the most dangerous things a woman can do in much of the world is become pregnant”

This opening sentence by Nicholas Kristof in the New York Times introduces the topic of obstetric fistula, which affects over one million women worldwide: “Typically impoverished women in poor countries where home births are the norm, who couldn’t get to a doctor in time … [suffer from] childbirth injuries that can be as damaging psychologically as physically. Prevention will come about by improving emergency obstetric services, a path that will also reduce deaths in childbirth.” Kristof recommends supporting the Fistula Foundation, which has financed over 100,000 fistula repairs in more than 30 countries, at an average cost per surgery of just $619 USD.

2019 INR Bangladesh caesarean.pdf

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Dr. Nazmul Huda is a frequent collaborator with Bangladesh Health Project. He has taught in the IUBAT Nursing program and he spear-headed development of the IUBAT MPH program. In 2019, while he was country director for a program to reduce fistula, Nazmul along with BHP director Prof. John Richards and other experts wrote about high rates of C-section in Bangladesh and Pakistan (see below). In the right circumstances, C-section is vital; as a profitable short-cut it can be another source of childbirth injury.  Huda et al conclude, “Reducing caesarean rates requires government to strengthen health human resource development…. [However, due to] generally inadequate support for vaginal delivery either in facilities or in homes, families will increasingly choose a facility delivery, usually a caesarean, usually in a private clinic.” Unfortunately, as Huda et al predicted five years ago, c-section rates in Bangladesh have continued to rise.

Human resource development, especially in health professions, is the mission of BHP, enacted through most of our projects. Presently, the role of male family-members in childbirth planning is the research topic of IUBAT nursing faculty member, Mohammed Ali. Ali is now enrolled in studies at University of Oxford with support from our donors. BHP directors have mentored several IUBAT College of Nursing graduates. If you are interested in providing mentoring or financial support please contact us.