Addressing superstitions - involving nutrition during pregnancy -- common among the ethnic communities of Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) is very important to improve prenatal and maternal healthcare, said speakers at a workshop yesterday.

"Many ethnic communities believe that a number of food items, which are nutritious, should not be eaten during pregnancy and breastfeeding - affecting the health condition of expectant and new mothers," said Evelina Chakma, senior programme manager of Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), at the workshop held at Spectra Convention Centre in Dhaka.

MJF organised the national stakeholder workshop to provide an overview of their project titled "Leveraging information technology to achieve better nutritional outcomes in the CHT, Bangladesh" an initiative of South Asia Food and Nutrition Security Initiative (SAFANSI).

MJF has been working on the project, supported by World Bank, since 2016.

After working with 2,000

women from ethnic communities in CHT since 2016, MJF observed that many expectant and new mothers have started taking locally available nutritious food and accessing healthcare facilities like vaccination from local healthcare centers, said Evelina who presented the findings at the workshop.

Shaheen Anam, executive director of MJF, said there are several challenges including violence against indigenous women and tension in the ethnic communities which need to be addressed.

The indigenous people are citizens of Bangladesh, and the state needs to ensure their rights, she added.

ProfSameena Chowdhury, obstetrician and gynecologist, said showing videos on nutrition to the ethnic communities has been an effective tool in raising awareness. Through their cultural activities, they should be informed of proper ways of nursing, she suggested.

Speaking as chief guest, Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Ministry Secretary Md Nurul Amin said the government is tirelessly working to ensure food and health security of people in CHT.