In the mid-1970s the population of Bangladesh was expected to double to 150 million by the year 2000. However, the fourth decennial census, which ended on January 27, 2001, projects the population to be 130 million. These results can be attributed to Bangladesh's impressive family planning program and the result of big gains in maternal care, contraceptive use, and reductions in infant mortality.

The contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) has increased dramatically to 54% from just 7% in the early 1970s. In addition, the total fertility rate (TFR), the number of children the average woman is likely to have, has declined to 3.3 (1999-2000 DHS) from 6.3 in the early 1970s. The infant mortality rate also declined dramatically (from 120 in the mid-1980s to 79.6 (1999-2000 DHS) per thousand births); still, the estimated maternal mortality ratio in Bangladesh is 430 per 100,000 (1997 Bang. MOH) live births, one of the highest in the world.

Adolescent Reproductive Health

In 1997, it was estimated that adolescents (10-19 years of age) were 22% of Bangladesh's population - 27.6 million people out of 125.3 million (BBS, 1998), within Bangladesh 'Adolescents do not have access to correct information about reproduction, fertility and fertility regulation and their RH needs are largely ignored by current program activities' (ORP, 1998).

Behavior Change Communication (BCC)

Perhaps one of the greatest successes and legacies of the JHU/CCP project in Bangladesh is the transfer of the BCC planning, designing, and implementing skills to a local Bangladeshi organization, the Bangladesh Center for Communication Programs (BCCP). BCCP was created in 1996 and fully registered in 1997 as a non-profit entity. Now in its 5th year, BCCP, working with multiple donors and development partner agencies, continues to play a key role in improving family health and promoting a better quality of life for people in Bangladesh.

Projects

NGO Service Delivery Program (NSDP)
Launched in 2002, the USAID-supported NGO Service Delivery Program (NSDP), let by Pathfinder International and 8 partner organizations, supports a network of 35 local NGOs to deliver essential health services at NGO-run 'Smiling Sun' (SS) Clinics

Promoting Services: Green Umbrella Logo Campaign
The Green Umbrella was the first logo to represent national integrated family planning and family health service. Shahuj Shathi (Evergreen Companion) and Shabuj Chhaya (Green Shadows) were enter-educate TV drama serials aired between 1997 and 2000 to promote healthy behaviors and encourage clients to access the Green Umbrella clinics.

The National Communication Campaign for Reduction of Maternal Mortality and Violence Against Women
This campaign focuses on the importance of identifying and removing the social factors that contribute to the high rate of maternal mortality in Bangladesh.

Adolescent Reproductive Health Program (ARH)
BCCP is running a multi-media program to improve adolescents knowledge and behavior related to their reproductive health.

To read more about current projects in Bangladesh, please go to the HCP Bangladesh page.