Islamabad: The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an urgent call to international and national partners to invest in reducing maternal and newborn deaths in Pakistan. As the country observes World Health Day, the WHO highlights that each day, 675 newborns and 27 mothers die from preventable complications in Pakistan, resulting in over 9,800 maternal and 246,300 newborn deaths annually. The country also records more than 190,000 stillbirths every year.

Under the theme “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures,” the WHO reiterates its commitment to collaborate with Pakistan in providing high-quality healthcare to mothers and newborns, aiming to achieve the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Dr. Dapeng Luo, WHO’s Representative in Pakistan, emphasized the necessity of healthy mothers and newborns for a prosperous future, underscoring the potential return on investment in maternal and newborn health.

Pakistan has seen progress, with the maternal mortality ratio decreasing from 276 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2006 to 155 in 2024. Neonatal mortality has also declined from 52 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2006 to 37.6 in 2024, accompanied by a reduction in stillbirths from 39.8 per 1,000 births in 2000 to 27.5 in 2024.

Efforts to combat maternal and neonatal tetanus have seen significant strides, with 80 percent of Pakistan’s population now living in areas where neonatal tetanus is under controlled limits. Specific regions such as Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Sindh, and Punjab have achieved elimination in recent years.

Despite these advancements, further investment is essential to meet the global SDG targets by 2030, which aim to reduce maternal mortality to 70 deaths per 100,000 live births and neonatal mortality to 12 deaths per 1,000 births. Enhancing women’s access to sexual and reproductive health services, antenatal care, and immediate newborn care is crucial for achieving these goals.

Addressing indirect causes such as anemia, which affects 41.7% of women of reproductive age in Pakistan, and investing in midwifery care, mental health, family planning, education, and economic opportunities are vital steps outlined by the WHO to empower women and improve health outcomes.

The WHO stands with Pakistan in its endeavor to ensure health for all, advocating for a brighter future for the nation’s children and grandchildren.