KARACHI: The World Health Organization (WHO) and leading medical experts have expressed profound concern over Pakistan’s escalating infant mortality crisis, establishing it as one of the top three countries globally for under-5 child mortality. On average, the country witnesses the tragic loss of 675 newborns every single day. The broader statistics paint a stark picture of the healthcare system, with 56 out of every 1,000 children dying before reaching the age of five, culminating in approximately 245,300 annual under-5 fatalities due to inadequate health conditions. Furthermore, Pakistan registers more than 190,000 stillbirths each year, underscoring a persistent and deeply concerning reproductive health crisis.
A recent research report by a private hospital identifies severe maternal malnutrition as a primary driver of this crisis, revealing that an alarming 90% of pregnant women in Pakistan suffer from anemia. This widespread blood deficiency results in malnourished newborns who lack the necessary immunity to fight off preventable diseases. The situation is further aggravated in rural and underdeveloped regions by a critical shortage of maternal and child healthcare centers. Consequently, families are forced to rely heavily on untrained traditional birth attendants, which severely jeopardizes newborn survival. This systemic gap is highlighted by the fact that only 45% of midwives operating in rural Basic Health Units are properly trained, emphasizing the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades and comprehensive maternal healthcare interventions.
