Strengthening of Safe Menstrual Regulation (MR) & Family Planning Services and Reduction of Unsafe Abortions to Improve SRHR in Bangladesh (Safe MR Project)

Donor: Sida, Sweden

Implemented by RHSTEP with funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the Safe MR Project is a national initiative focused on reducing maternal mortality and unsafe abortions while improving sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for women, men, and adolescents across Bangladesh. In 2024, the project was operational in 21 medical colleges and district hospitals across 20 districts, including community and maternity clinics, and Alordhara Pathshala youth hubs. Over the year, 638,590 SRHR services were provided to 259,574 clients, including 13,791 safe MR procedures, 5,185 PAC services, 24,056 reproductive cancer screenings, and over 510,000 diagnostic and limited curative services. The project also emphasized youth engagement, male involvement, family planning, and RTI/STI treatment, with 8,455 men accessing services and 7,131 individuals adopting contraceptives.

A strong emphasis was placed on capacity development, with 344 staff (51% female) trained through nine thematic courses covering areas such as gender-transformative approaches, PMEL, risk management, and adolescent engagement. The project also mobilized 240 community gatekeepers and equipped all eight hospital centers with new tools like environmental checklists, upgraded MIS systems, and digital job aids. The Alordhara Pathshala hubs reached over 20,000 adolescents through 500 sessions and activities, including the flagship youth event Tarunno Mela 2024. Advocacy efforts engaged stakeholders from hospitals, schools, garment factories, and pharmaceutical companies to promote SRHR access and policy dialogue. RHSTEP’s participation in national and international platforms further strengthened the ecosystem for sustainable SRHR impact in Bangladesh.