Sweden will provide $10 million to the UN Population Fund to strengthen the quality and access to midwives and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services (SRHR) in Bangladesh, including in the most remote areas affected by climate change.

UNFPA and Sweden signed a new partnership for the period of 2022-2026 at the Swedish embassy in Dhaka in the presence of Ambassador Alexandra Berg von Linde and UNFPA Representative in Dhaka Kristine Blokhus.

Currently, around 2,550 midwives are deployed by the government and 300 by NGOs, and they serve in crises including floods, cyclones, and in refugee situations.

They provide lifesaving support and SRHR services with innovative methods such as telemedicine, but more midwives are needed to give safe and accessible care to mothers and children in Bangladesh.