RDF Global networking trip raises maternity issues

Emdad Rahman

THE RURAL Development Foundation organised a fundraising and networking weekend for volunteers to celebrate the contribution they make as well as to plan the next phase of the project. Activities included a group trek and walk in the woodlands of Lydford Gorge, kayaking, cycling, workshops, discussions and a competitive football tournament.

RDF global Chair Alhaj Shamsujjaman Choudhury said: “Although we are a project assisting and providing much needed maternity services in Sunamgonj, Bangladesh, we in fact have a global vision. Bangladesh is one of the countries where maternity treatment and support is a huge issue, with millions of people having no access to treatment, care and advice.”

Hafiz Syed Naem Ahmed is a senior and longstanding volunteer at RFF. He also attended the weekend getaway and said, “RDF is committed to supporting anybody, regardless of their background. I’m pleased the trip was such a success and already our refreshed volunteers have been boosted by their fun experience. Trips like this are necessary are extremely memorable – I’m glad it has boosted our efforts and shed light on our cause.”

RDF Global is a non-profit charitable foundation, established in 2006, with an aim to develop maternity and women’s healthcare for under privileged people living in rural areas of  Bangladesh. The mission is to provide high quality education and life saving healthcare for women and newborn babies, while maintaining utmost respect and the highest regard for their dignity, irrespective of their background.

The short-term strategy is to research and acquire information about gaps in current maternity services and factors contributing to maternal mortality rates in Bangladesh.

In the long term, the aim is to work with other NGOs to assist in developing high quality maternity services across all areas of rural Bangladesh.

The first project is to establish a maternity clinic in the rural region of Sunamgonj, which has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in Bangladesh. The wider aim is to help reduce childbirth related complications and death through education and training. Services to be provided include maternity services, maternity care (covering antenatal and postnatal care), family planning services and midwifery education.

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