World Maternal Mental Health Day: Raising Awareness and Strengthening Support in Remote Communities
by Iffat Ara Sharmeen,
7 May, 2025
Mothers carry the biggest responsibility of humanity– nurturing a life, and that can take a significant toll. It is reported that 1 in 5 new mothers experience perinatal mood or anxiety disorders (PMADs). These conditions go often unnoticed or untreated, leading to devastating consequences for the mother and child. It is important for mothers to know that their voices matter, to make recovery easier.
In urban areas, mothers with mental health issues can access hospital services. But in Bangladesh’s remote, climate-vulnerable char islands, poor health infrastructure and low awareness leave women’s mental health, especially among new mothers, largely ignored. Mental illness is not seen as a serious issue, particularly by elders, who often rely on superstition and view sufferers as ‘abnormal’. In these marginalised communities, women are already sidelined by patriarchal norms. Mothers with mental health issues are an even lower priority.
Finding Strength in Community Awareness
Friendship introduced a unique 3-tier healthcare model 23 years ago, including floating hospitals, satellite clinics, and Friendship Community Medic-aides (FCMs), to bring care directly to remote communities. The 3-tier model is present in the northern districts of Kurigram, Gaibandha, Bogura, and the southern subdistricts of Shyamnagar, Hatiya, and Kutubdia.
The FCMs play a vital role in raising mental health awareness among communities. Through regular courtyard sessions, they offer compassionate guidance to women on various physical health issues, as well as emotional topics such as better parenting, postpartum stress, peace of mind, child support, anger management, family life, happiness, etc. As women get together and discuss these issues together, the women feel stronger together and more aware of their wellbeing.
Making Mental Health Treatment Accessible
Women can visit satellite clinics or static clinics where available, so that paramedics can screen symptoms and refer patients to hospitals. Based on the WHO scale of identifying mental health symptoms, paramedics refer patients to the nearest facilities with mental health services. Paramedics and FCMs ensure consistent referral chains within Friendship’s 3-tier model.
Healthier Maternity Experience for All
Maternity should be a joy, but for Rohingya mothers, it remains a challenge. To support them, Friendship set up 7 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char, offering vital physical health, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). Friendship Hospital Ukhiya houses a dedicated maternity centre focused on mental and reproductive health for pregnant and postpartum women.
Psychologists provide these services on the premises under the guidelines of UNHCR. Community health volunteers ensure timely follow-up and support to the Rohingya community, including mothers who struggle to express their health needs and require urgent mental health care.
Maternal mental health is a critical component of healthcare, which needs more recognition in underserved and vulnerable communities. Through its innovative 3-tier model and dedicated mental health services, Friendship has demonstrated how accessible, community-based care can empower mothers, promote recovery, and strengthen families.
