The role of the private sector in health

Investments in health are critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) and to fulfilling the global commitments of Agenda 2030, in particular
SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Health is a
priority for the Swedish Government and Sida. Many global health challenges are
linked to inequalities between men and women, most notably sexual and reproductive
health and rights (SRHR), but there are also large inequities between and
within countries. In 2023, Sida disbursed approximately SEK 2.5 billion for global,
regional and country level programs on health, including SRHR, which represents
about eight percent of Sida’s total development assistance.

This report presents an evaluation of the Strengthening of Safe MR and Family Planning services and Reduction of Unsafe Abortions
for Improving SRHR Situation in Bangladesh (Safe MR programme) from 2017 to 2022. It aims to assess the programme’s alignment
with Sida’s SRHR priorities, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and gender integration. The evaluation found the programme
relevant to SRHR needs but lacking clear approaches for marginalized groups. It identified effective training initiatives and early
stages of gender integration, but sustainability remains a concern without a financial plan. The team identified concerns that include
inadequate staffing, limited outreach to marginalized groups, and sustainability challenges. The report recommends scaling up
community interventions, strengthening gender integration, improving advocacy strategies, enhancing staffing, developing a
financial sustainability plan, and investing in research and organizational development for sustainability.