In Bangladesh 70% of the population are either children under 15 years (50%) or women of reproductive age (20%). High mortality, severe ill health and malnutrition in children and mothers in the country have become serious obstacles to national development. The situation becomes even more poignant when one recognises that these sufferings are largely preventable.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) has been making concerted efforts by undertaking preventive, promotive and curative programmes for this vulnerable group in the fourth population and health project and Health and Population Sector Programmes in the fifth five year plan. However these are still weak programmes owing to the acute shortage of personnel with adequate preventive and clinical care skills in child and mother health. Health workers need to be skilled and committed in their works through structured training in a real life situation.

Research efforts in maternal child health is negligible in the country whereas without research it is impossible to plan and implement needed intervention programmes. There is lack of quality health care in hospital and community. Provision of quality care in health institutions is essential for patient satisfaction. Sadly there is a dark cloud hanging over our health care system. We know that healthy children and mothers have great potential to contribute to national development.

With this background the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh has established the Institute of Child and Mother Health with clinical and field facilities located in a periurban area. It is envisioned to be a unique Institution to guide and lead the country in child and mother health and a model of combined clinical and community based services.