Islamabad: Findings from the Household Integrated Economic Survey (HIES) 2024-25 suggest notable improvements in Pakistan’s child and maternal health indicators, although regional disparities persist. Immunization rates for children aged 12-23 months have increased, and skilled birth attendance has risen, while infant mortality rates have decreased. However, Balochistan lags behind in immunization, and childhood diarrhea prevalence has increased.

According to Gilani Research Foundation, the survey highlights a rise in record-based full immunization from 68% in 2018-19 to 73% in 2024-25. The improvement is more pronounced in rural areas, although urban coverage shows a slight decline. Despite national gains, provincial disparities are evident, with Punjab achieving 79% in record-based full immunization compared to Balochistan’s 54%.

The report also notes an increase in childhood diarrhea prevalence to 10%, up from 6% in 2018-19. While oral rehydration solution (ORS) usage has improved, practitioner consultations have decreased, signifying potential access barriers. Infant mortality has declined to 47 per 1,000 live births, and neonatal mortality has decreased to 35 per 1,000, yet the rates remain high.

Maternal education emerges as a significant predictor of child survival. Infant mortality rates are markedly lower among mothers with higher education compared to those with no education. The decline in home deliveries to 16% and the rise in skilled birth attendance to 84% indicate a shift towards safer delivery practices. However, rural areas still face higher risks, with 20% of births occurring at home. The report underscores the importance of continued health system strengthening and human development investments to address these disparities.