Safe motherhood in Pakistan
Sadiqua Jafarey1, Imtiaz Kamal, Asma Fozia Qureshi
1Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan. snjaf@go4b.net.pk
Summary
Maternal and neonatal mortality rates in Pakistan remain alarmingly high. Despite various initiatives, slow progress hinders the achievement of safe motherhood and global health goals.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Global Health
- Maternal Health
Background:
- Pakistan faces persistently high maternal mortality ratios (350-500/100,000 live births) and neonatal mortality ratios (50/1000 live births).
- Progress towards achieving safe motherhood and reducing maternal/neonatal deaths has been slow despite numerous interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine trends in maternal and neonatal mortality in Pakistan.
- To identify reasons for the slow progress in improving maternal and neonatal survival rates.
- To assess the likelihood of Pakistan achieving Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 by 2015.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of maternal and neonatal mortality data in Pakistan.
- Review of trends and progress in safe motherhood initiatives.
- Evaluation of factors contributing to slow reduction in mortality rates.
Main Results:
- High maternal and neonatal mortality ratios persist in Pakistan.
- Limited progress observed in reducing maternal and neonatal deaths.
- Uncertainty regarding the achievement of Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 by the 2015 deadline.
Conclusions:
- Urgent and intensified efforts are required to address high maternal and neonatal mortality in Pakistan.
- Further research is needed to understand and overcome barriers to effective safe motherhood programs.
- Pakistan faces significant challenges in meeting its maternal and child health targets.
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