Rajshahi, Apr 7 (V7N)– Rajshahi joined the global observance of World Health Day on Monday, April 7th, marking the anniversary of the World Health Organization (WHO). The day was commemorated with a rally and discussion emphasizing this year's theme: "Let birth be safe, let future be bright."

"Monday (April 7) is World Health Day. This day is celebrated every year to mark the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) with the aim of increasing health awareness. This year's theme of the day is - 'Let birth be safe, let future be bright'," a local health official stated.

A colorful rally, organized by the Rajshahi Civil Surgeon's Office, commenced in the morning, drawing participants from various health sectors and the community. Following the rally, a discussion meeting was held at the Civil Surgeon's Office.

"On the occasion of the day, a colorful rally was taken out from the Rajshahi Civil Surgeon's Office in the morning. After the rally, a discussion meeting was held in the meeting room of the Civil Surgeon's Office," a local attendee reported.

Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman, the Director of the Rajshahi Health Department, graced the meeting as the chief guest. In his address, he underscored the critical importance of this year's theme, highlighting the need to prioritize safe childbirth and ensure a healthy future for children.

"Rajshahi Health Department Director Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman was present as the chief guest in the meeting. Highlighting the significance of this year's theme of the day, the chief guest said, 'To protect birth, we must first reduce child marriage. The rate of child marriage is higher in places where the literacy rate is low. Rajshahi is ahead in that regard. According to the law of our country, getting married before the age of 18 for girls and 21 for boys is child marriage, which is a punishable crime. Along with health awareness, we need to build a social and family movement to eradicate it,'" Dr. Habibur Rahman emphasized.

Dr. Rahman stressed the link between child marriage and unsafe births, advocating for a societal movement to eradicate this illegal practice. He also emphasized the importance of proper maternal nutrition during pregnancy and the need for a robust and uninterrupted vaccination program for both mothers and children, noting the expansion of the vaccine schedule from 5-6 to 11-12 vaccines.

"Habibur Rahman said, 'We need to be aware of proper nutrition for mothers during pregnancy. The vaccination program for mothers and children needs to be made more effective. The supply of vaccines needs to continue uninterrupted. Earlier, we used to give 5-6 vaccines, but now it has increased to 11-12,'" he added.

Dr. Rahman expressed optimism about achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health by 2030 through collaborative efforts.

"He said, 'If everyone works together, we will move forward in health indicators and be able to achieve the SDG goals by 2030,'" Dr. Rahman concluded.

The program was presided over by Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr. Mosa. Mahbuba Khatun. Other notable speakers included WHO Divisional Coordinator Dr. AKM Kamruzzaman, medical officers from the Civil Surgeon's Office, Dr. Tamanna Kabir and Dr. Bayezid-ul Islam, Junior Consultant Dr. Md. Jannatul Raihan, Deputy Director of the District Information Office Mosa. Nafeyala Nasreen, Assistant Superintendent of Police Sardar Md. Majnu, Assistant District Primary Education Officer Md. Ashraful Islam, and representatives from various non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

"Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr. Mosa. Mahbuba Khatun presided over the program, while WHO Divisional Coordinator Dr. AKM Kamruzzaman, Medical Officers of the Civil Surgeon's Office Dr. Tamanna Kabir and Dr. Bayezid-ul Islam, Junior Consultant Dr. Md. Jannatul Raihan, Deputy Director of the District Information Office Mosa. Nafeyala Nasreen, Assistant Superintendent of Police Sardar Md. Majnu, Assistant District Primary Education Officer Md. Ashraful Islam and NGO representatives spoke," a program attendee noted.

The celebration of World Health Day in Rajshahi served as a platform to raise awareness about critical health issues, particularly those related to maternal and child health, and to reiterate the commitment towards achieving better health outcomes for all.

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