USAID’S MaMoni Maternal and Newborn Care Strengthening Project (MNCSP): Emergency response to COVID-19

In Bangladesh, the first case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was detected in early March 2020, just prior to the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring the outbreak a global pandemic. Being a densely populated country, Bangladesh is highly exposed to COVID-19 transmission, which occurs primarily through respiratory droplet infection. The situation evolved rapidly, with confirmed community transmission in several clusters across the country. Dhaka city (the capital) was initially the worst-affected area (with more than 26% of all cases). The virus extended its epicenters to appear in several other districts.

As of April 30, 2021, there were more than 759,132 confirmed cases and nearly 11,393 deaths. During the month of February 2021, the number of confirmed cases went down. However, the current trend shows a rise in confirmed cases beginning in March 2021. In response, the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) developed the Bangladesh Preparedness and Response Plan (BPRP) for COVID-19, which aims to prevent and control its spread to reduce related illness and death, to protect the health and well-being of citizens and the economy.