COVID-19 and SDG 3 in Bangladesh: A Statistical and Machine Learning Approach

Abstract

Bangladesh is on the verge to confront severe prospective financial hurdle owing to the outcomes initiated by COVID-19. The objective of the study is to assess the status of the third sustainable development goal (SDG 3) in the nation preceding to COVID-19 advent as well as the evident effect of COVID-19 on SDG 3 in future. Information from national sources like IEDCR and BDHS have been employed. Findings show that the maternal mortality rate (MMR) fell by 6.3% while the total fertility rate (TFR) fell by 3.3% between 1993 and 2017. Different categories of early infantile mortality rates also dropped considerably during that period. Sizable progress happened in accompanying demographic factors during that period which led to enhanced level of maternal and child health. Lastly, how COVID-19 could impact maternal and child health through GDP has also been evaluated. Outcomes of the study would facilitate the policymakers to predict and ensure SDG 3 accomplishment accurately and take pertinent steps accordingly. Additional research is suggested to detect the causes for under deployment of optimal level healthcare facilities in the country.