Strengthening Postnatal Care and Tuberculosis Management in South-East Asia

Dr Md Khurshid Alam Hyder

Global Health Expert and Former Regional Advisor Tuberculosis, WHO South-East Asia Regional Office

Executive Summary

Postnatal care (PNC) is vital for maternal and newborn survival, yet coverage in South-East Asia remains uneven. Nearly half of women (46%) receive comprehensive services, while 8% receive none. Rural, low-income, and less-educated families are disproportionately excluded. At the same time, the region carries 44% of the global tuberculosis (TB) burden, with TB contributing to 6–15% of maternal mortality. Around 200,000 pregnant or postpartum women develop TB annually, most in South-East Asia and Africa. Integrating TB screening into maternal health programs and expanding PNC access are urgent priorities.

Key Challenges

•Limited PNC Access: Rural and low-income women face lower coverage; follow-ups often missed.
•High TB Burden: South-East Asia accounts for nearly half of global TB cases; maternal TB screening is rare.
•Health System Gaps: TB services poorly integrated into maternal health programs; weak data collection limits policy action.

Country Highlights

•Bangladesh: Expanded community-based postnatal visits; trained midwives for maternal TB management.
•India: Mandatory TB screening during antenatal/postnatal visits; TB treatment integrated under Ayushman Bharat.
•Nepal: Telemedicine-based PNC and TB consultations; improved maternal TB data reporting.

Regional Recommendations

•Integrate TB screening into routine PNC for early detection.
•Expand mobile health clinics to reach remote communities.
•Increase funding for maternal health services, prioritizing PNC accessibility.
•Enhance data collection systems to track maternal TB cases.
•Launch awareness campaigns linking PNC to TB prevention.

Policy Implementation Strategies

•Strengthen collaboration among health ministries, TB programs, and maternal health services.
•Leverage digital health solutions such as telemedicine and mobile apps for follow-ups.
•Promote research and pilot interventions to test maternal TB treatment effectiveness.

Conclusion

Postnatal care and tuberculosis management are intertwined public health challenges in South-East Asia. Addressing gaps in PNC coverage and integrating TB screening into maternal health programs can significantly reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. With stronger systems, digital innovations, and targeted investments, the region can ensure healthier futures for women and children.

About Dr Md Khurshid Alam Hyder

Physician I Technical Assistance Consultant TB and Public Health Specialist I Global Health Expert

Former Public Health Administrator and Team Lead Health Systems Strengthening, World Health Organization, Nepal

Former Regional Advisor TB, World Health Organization South-East Asia Regional Office, New Delhi, India

Former Consultant, National TB Control Program, Directorate General of Health Services, MoH&FW, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Connect: khurshidalamhyder@gmail.com

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