Overview

Since 2021, the Healthy Women, Healthy Families (HWHF) project—locally known as Shustha Ma, Shustha Poribar—has been dedicated to enhancing maternal and child health in underserved urban areas surrounding Dhaka, Bangladesh. In collaboration with partners BRAC, SCOPE, and the Population Council, MSH has implemented innovative, community-centered approaches to address the unique challenges faced by first-time parents in these communities. 

Key Achievements 

Between 2021 and 2025, HWHF made significant strides in improving health outcomes: 

• Group Antenatal and Postnatal Care (GANC/PNC): More than 6,100 first-time mothers participated in group sessions that combined clinical care with peer support, leading to increased knowledge and confidence in managing their health and that of their infants. 

• Fatherhood Engagement: The program recorded over 5,300 instances of male participation in group sessions. Some men attended multiple sessions, reinforcing their role as supportive partners in maternal and newborn health.   

• Enhanced Antenatal Care Attendance: Nearly 75% of women attended four or more antenatal visits, surpassing the national average of 55%. 

• Facility-Based Deliveries: Around 80% of participants delivered at health facilities, higher than the national urban average of 76%. 

• Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates: More than 63% of mothers exclusively breastfed their babies for up to six months thanks to their group PNC sessions, compared to 55% in control groups. 

The success of this model underscores the importance of human-centered design and the effectiveness of integrating clinical services with community engagement. As the project concludes, efforts are underway to collaborate with government entities to scale and integrate these approaches into public health systems across Bangladesh, ensuring lasting impact and sustainability.