Failing Mothers and Children
Around 20% of child deaths occur due to birth complications or a lack of post-natal care. The effects of health infrastructure contrast among provinces are imminent in these results.
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By 2030, Pakistan aims to stop preventable deaths among newborns and children younger than 5 years old. However, the latest Demographic Survey paints a bleak picture highlighting the country’s lack of progress in improving the figures. In 2020, the neonatal mortality rate was recorded at 42 whereas, the post-natal mortality rate was 14.
Various health reasons contribute to the high number—for instance, gastrointestinal and fever-related issues. However, one can not discount the stark difference between the numbers of provinces. This can be attributed to the inequality manifested in healthcare services (a provincial matter?). Furthermore, Pakistan is included in the top 10 countries, with the most under-vaccinated children. This statistic threatens the future of many children affected by the floods and the outbreak of various diseases.
Moreover, poverty and literacy are some of the multidimensional issues that contribute to the high incidence of death among children. In impoverished regions, such as Balochistan, access to information about nutrition is limited. 761 Basic Healthcare Units (BHUs) are in Balochistan, with only 28 District Head Quarter Hospitals (DHQs) available to provide healthcare services to the province's total population.
Additionally, other social and economic circumstances may lead to a higher degree of death. These factors are yet to be included in any surveys conducted at the national or provincial level. Furthermore, for the correct identification of the problems, data-driven policies might be more beneficial. Children and mothers, the most vulnerable groups of society, are at the intersection of facing multiple socio-economic and infrastructural problems. However, Pakistan is a long way from realizing its goals (for either the short term or the long term) of ensuring the well-being and safety of its population.
GRAPHICS OF THE DAY
A high number of infants passed away in Punjab than in any other province. However, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's relative populations are to be considered.
Around 31% of all deaths in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa occurred in children younger than 1 year. This percentage is highest among provinces.
Almost 41% children under the age of 1 die of "unknown reasons" in Pakistan
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