In the heart of Savar, Bangladesh, many families face the harsh reality of limited access to healthcare—especially women and children living in underprivileged communities. Thanks to a partnership between International Needs New Zealand (INNZ) and International Needs Bangladesh, the Savar Mother & Child Healthcare Project is changing lives by offering essential, compassionate care where it’s needed most.
A Lifeline for Mothers and Children
At the centre of this project is the Maternal and Child Health Services Center, led by the experienced and dedicated Dr. Hasina Mumtaz. Each month, the centre opens its doors for up to 16 days, providing regular medical check-ups, treatment, and free medicines to families who otherwise might go without.
From preventing contagious diseases like typhoid, skin infections, diarrhea, and respiratory illnesses to supporting maternal health, the centre’s consistent presence is making a real difference. In the latest reporting month alone, 36 individuals received regular treatment, with many benefiting from follow-up care and health education.
Medical Camps: Outreach That Saves Lives
Beyond the clinic, the project runs medical camps reaching deeper into the community. These camps bring healthcare directly to families who struggle to access it—offering routine check-ups for children and pregnant mothers, vital vaccinations, and nutrition awareness programs.
One-on-one counselling sessions help families understand how to make better food choices, leading to noticeable improvements in the health of young children and expectant mothers alike. The gratitude from those served is a powerful reminder that access to healthcare is not just about medicine—it’s about hope.
Building Healthy Habits for a Stronger Future
The project’s impact extends beyond treatment. Special focus on health and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) awareness sessions helps local women and slum schoolchildren build healthier habits that can last a lifetime.
From teaching the importance of handwashing to understanding balanced nutrition, these educational efforts empower the community to take charge of their own wellbeing and prevent illness before it starts.
Vaccination: Protecting Children From Preventable Diseases
Working closely with the Bangladeshi government, the project also supports vaccination programs for children under five, helping shield them from diseases that once claimed many young lives.
This vital work includes providing vaccines like BCG, Tetanus (TT), and Vitamin A supplements—helping build a healthier, stronger generation.
Numbers That Tell a Story
Over the last 6 months, the project reached:
- 226 patients through medical camps (including pregnant women, children, men, and women)
- 351 individuals received vaccines or vitamin supplements
- Regular clinic visits continue with dozens more receiving ongoing care
Each number represents a life touched, a family supported, and a community moving closer to health and hope.
Why This Matters
In a place where medical care is often out of reach, the Savar Mother & Child Healthcare Project is a beacon of compassion and practical support. It’s more than just treatment—it’s education, empowerment, and a commitment to breaking cycles of illness and poverty.
Through ongoing care, outreach, and community education, INNZ and International Needs Bangladesh are helping families build healthier futures—one child, one mother, and one family at a time.