WHO warns Pakistan about maternal and newborn mortality crisis
- The WHO has raised concerns about increasing maternal and neonatal mortality rates in Pakistan due to drastic aid reductions.
- In 2023, an estimated 260,000 women died from preventable complications during childbirth, highlighting systemic healthcare failures.
- Immediate government action is required to improve healthcare access and reduce mortality rates, especially in rural areas.
In Pakistan, the World Health Organization has sounded the alarm regarding the critical issues faced by mothers and newborns due to alarming aid cuts. The organization emphasizes the urgent need for global and national support to reduce the alarming rates of maternal and neonatal mortality. A troubling report indicates that, in 2020, Pakistan ranked among the top ten countries with the highest rates of maternal and newborn deaths, with significant preventable complications leading to the loss of thousands of lives each year. The WHO has highlighted that an annual figure of over 9,800 mothers and 246,300 newborns succumb to these complications, with over 190,000 stillbirths recorded annually. Despite some progress, with maternal deaths reportedly declining by 40% between 2000 and 2023, the country’s health sector faces numerous challenges, including a rise in mortality due to poor access to healthcare facilities in rural areas. In 2023, about 260,000 women died during pregnancy or childbirth, which means deadly complications occur with alarming frequency. The Health Ministry must act swiftly to prevent another escalation in maternal deaths, continuously ensuring that healthcare reforms are put into practice to meet the urgent needs highlighted by these disquieting statistics. Access to obstetric care remains a primary concern as complications such as hemorrhage and deficiency greatly contribute to maternal deaths. Urban areas dominate the availability of obstetric services, leading to underdeveloped regions experiencing neglect. Experts have urged the government to invest in quality healthcare infrastructure, training programs for untrained midwives, and a comprehensive distribution of medical supplies. This endeavor is crucial for ensuring safe delivery processes to support the maternal health system across regions in Pakistan. The WHO has tasked the Pakistani administration with implementing reforms that could revitalize the healthcare system and address the pressing need for enhanced maternal care. The potential for necessary changes can illuminate the path toward improving health outcomes for mothers and newborns, thus achieving national and global goals aimed at reducing maternal mortality by the year 2030.