A newborn baby takes its final
breath, waiting for an incubator that never arrives, a 16 -month-old child loses
the battle for life due to the lack of an available blood transfusion. A young
mother dies giving birth at home, with no access to essential medical care.
These heart-wrenching incidents are not isolated- they happen far too often,
revealing the harsh realities of maternal and child healthcare in Pakistan.
In Pakistan, the path to motherhood is perilous, claiming thousands of lives
each year. With nearly 4,500 women dying annually due to pregnancy or childbirth
complications, maternal and child health remains a critical public health issue.
Despite some progress, the country still struggles with alarming rates of
maternal and infant mortality, malnutrition, and limited access to quality
healthcare, especially in rural areas. These challenges not only endanger the
health of mothers and children but also hinder the nation’s overall development.
The Reality of Maternal Health in Pakistan
Pakistan faces one of the highest maternal mortality rates in South Asia, with
around 186 deaths per 100,000 live births. The primary causes of these
fatalities include hemorrhage, sepsis, obstructed labor, and complications from
unsafe abortions. The situation is worsened by the scarcity of skilled
healthcare professionals during childbirth, in sufficient prenatal care, and
inadequate health infrastructure, particularly in rural regions.
Nutritional deficiencies among pregnant women further complicate the scenario,
leading to long-term health issues for their children. Studies have shown that
poor maternal nutrition can result in chronic conditions such as obesity,
diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and impaired cognitive development in
children.
The Infant Mortality crisis
The situation is equally dire for newborns, with Pakistan’s infant mortality
rate standing at 57 deaths per 1,000 live births. Many of these deaths are due
to preventable conditions like respiratory infections, diarrhea, and birth
asphyxia. Malnutrition remains a critical concern, with nearly 40% of children
under five suffering from stunted growth, which impairs both physical and
cognitive development, affecting their future.
Barriers to Healthcare Access
A significant barrier to improving maternal and child health in Pakistan is the
limited access to healthcare services, particularly in remote and rural areas.
Many communities lack essential healthcare facilities, including maternal and
neonatal care, which are crucial for safe pregnancies and healthy births. The
shortage of trained healthcare professionals, such as obstetricians and
pediatricians, forces many women to rely on untrained birth attendants or travel
long distances to reach the nearest healthcare facility, often leading to
life-threatening delays.
Cultural and Social Challenges
Cultural norms and social barriers also play a significant role in the poor
state of maternal and child health. In many communities, women’s health is not
given priority, and decisions about seeking medical care are often made by male
family members. Early marriages and pregnancies, coupled with limited access to
family planning services, further increase the risk of complications during
childbirth.
Steps Towards Improvement
While the challenges are formidable, they are not insurmountable. The
government, in collaboration with international organizations, must take
decisive action to improve maternal and child health in Pakistan.
Vital steps included:
1. Building more healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas, and
ensuring they are equipped with trained healthcare professionals.
2. Expanding and improving programs focused on antenatal care, safe childbirth
practices, and immunization, while also addressing maternal nutrition and
educating mothers about breastfeeding and complementary feeding.
3. Increasing awareness and access to family planning services to reduce
high-risk pregnancies, along with addressing cultural barriers that prevent
women from seeking care.
4. Engaging communities to raise awareness about maternal and child health, the
dangers of early marriage, and the benefits of timely medical care. Empowering
women to make informed decisions about their health is crucial.
5. Investing in robust health information systems to track maternal and child
health indicators, identify gaps, and inform policy decisions.
The stark realities of maternal and child healthcare in Pakistan demand urgent
and comprehensive action. While the challenges are immense—ranging from high
maternal and infant mortality rates to malnutrition and inadequate healthcare
access—they are not insurmountable. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure,
especially in rural areas, enhancing maternal and child health programs, and
promoting family planning and education are critical steps. Equally important is
the need to address cultural barriers and empower women to make informed
decisions about their health and that of their children.
By prioritizing these areas, Pakistan can move towards a future where
preventable deaths are a rarity, not a common occurrence. The well-being of
mothers and children is the bedrock of a healthy and prosperous nation, and it
is imperative that we invest in their health to secure a brighter future for
all.
The time to act now, and with
concerted efforts from the government, NGOs and communities, we can pave the way
for a brighter, healthier future for Pakistan’s mothers and children.