Policies for pre-eclampsia and eclampsia prevention and management in Bangladesh

Bangladesh experiences between 5,000 and 6,000 maternal deaths each year. Of those deaths, 20 percent are from pre-eclampsia and eclampsia (PE/E), the second most common direct cause of maternal mortality in the country. In Bangladesh, best practices to prevent PE/E using aspirin and calcium and managing it through task sharing and use of magnesium sulphate and anti-hypertensive drugs have not been optimally examined. To appreciate the enormity of the problem, the Population Council conducted a landscape analysis in 12 upazilas in four districts. The study was cross sectional, and data collection activities included in-depth interviews (IDIs) with policymakers, development partners, program managers, and ob/gyn professionals and primary facility providers. The study’s objective was to identify existing national policies and guidelines for PE/E management and prevention, as well as to document gaps in antenatal care specifically related to PE/E