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Express Tribune
13-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Mother's Day — little to celebrate
Listen to article Celebrating Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May is a relatively recent phenomenon, although honouring mothers has deep cultural and religious roots. In Islam, the reverence for mothers is profound — so much so that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) declared, "Paradise lies under the feet of the mother." The Quran commands believers to show kindness to parents, reminding us of the hardship mothers undergo especially during pregnancy, childbirth and the early years of nurturing a child. And still, in 2025, we fail them. The latest UN report on global maternal mortality trends from 2000 to 2023 is grim. Just four countries — Nigeria, India, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Pakistan — account for nearly half of all maternal deaths worldwide. In Pakistan, a woman dies from pregnancy-related causes approximately every 48 minutes. That's nearly 11,000 preventable maternal deaths each year -— a violation of constitutional and human rights. Although maternal mortality in Pakistan declined by a third between 2006 and 2019 — from 286 to 186 deaths per 100,000 live births — we are still far from achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of reducing maternal mortality below 70 per 100,000 live births. Why does a natural, physiological event end so often in death? The answer lies in systemic failure: a fragile health system, deep-rooted societal injustices and the poor status accorded to women. Where services do exist, they are unevenly distributed. Maternal mortality is highest in Balochistan, followed by Sindh, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab — clear evidence of entrenched regional and rural-urban disparities. Poor women, especially in under-served areas, rely on under-resourced public health systems while the private sector grows — accessible only to those who can afford it. Analysis carried out by the Population Council of the 2019 Pakistan Maternal Mortality Survey reveals alarming findings: women attended by "skilled birth attendants" had higher mortality risks than those who were not. The research also shows that women lacking basic immunisations — such as tetanus toxoid — face higher mortality risks. This underscores the poor quality of care offered by the health system, which is frequently plagued by supply shortages, a weak referral system that delays access to appropriate facilities, and inadequate accountability. Other risk factors reflecting broader social determinants are just as stark: according to the research, being older, less literate and not using family planning significantly increase the risk of maternal death. These are not just health concerns — they reflect how inequities in education, autonomy and support directly impact maternal outcomes, underscoring the need for a multi-sectoral approach to improve women's health in Pakistan. The sobering statistics make clear that strengthening primary health care — especially with a robust reproductive health component — is now non-negotiable. Punjab's recent initiative to integrate population and health services is a promising step. Integrated, one-stop women's health services are essential to eliminate inequities in care. But we need national scale and political will to make maternal death not just a health issue — but a political one. Equity must be at the core: expanding community-based and mobile outreach to reach remote and impoverished populations is vital. We must also build a health system resilient to external shocks — climate change, conflict, disasters and pandemics. Women's voices must be included in every resilience plan. And we must confront the root causes of deprivation by fast-tracking progress in girls' education, nutrition and economic empowerment. Celebrating Mother's Day must mean more than televised tributes and public displays of sentiment. It must mean saving mothers' lives. Until childbirth is safe for every woman — regardless of income, geography or education — there is little to celebrate.
The Hindu
02-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Rates of overweight exceed that of underweight in South Asia: Study on pre-pregnancy malnutrition
Highlighting a growing burden of malnutrition among married women in South Asia prior to conceiving, an analysis shows that prevalence of being overweight has surpassed that of being underweight. Key findings The analysis, published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia journal, also finds that short stature continues to be an issue, especially in India and Bangladesh, pointing to persistent concerns about malnutrition during early childhood and its long-term effects. Researchers, including those from University College London, UK, and Population Council, India, analysed data collected through national surveys of South Asian countries -- such as the National Family Health Survey in India -- to understand the nutritional status of women before becoming pregnant. The team published a series of papers related to aspects of pre-pregnancy nutrition, including prevalence of anaemia and micronutrient deficiency in population. They also reviewed public policies and programmes that deliver interventions on preconception nutrition. "Our analysis of nationally-representative survey data reveals a growing double burden of malnutrition among preconception women in South Asia, as the prevalence of overweight (ranging from 29 per cent to 57.8 per cent) now surpasses that of underweight (4.6 per cent to 15.7 per cent) among married women," the authors wrote. Prevalence of short stature was estimated to be 10.7 per cent in India. Lifestyle and diet associated health risks across South Asia Urbanisation, migration, along with an increased availability of ultra-processed foods, even in rural areas, have driven a higher intake of fats, sugars, and calories, contributing to a worsening nutritional status, the authors said. They added that anaemia remains persistently high in South Asia, despite intervention efforts. Anaemia prevalence in India has stagnated at 53.2 per cent during 2015-16 to 54 per cent during 2019-21, while it has marginally increased in Bangladesh (26 per cent in 2011-12 to 28.9 per cent in 2019-20), the study found. The team also looked at micronutrient deficiencies -- another critical aspect of malnutrition among women in South Asia -- by reviewing previously published studies. For example, low serum ferritin -- a marker of iron deficiency -- is common in India (31 per cent to nearly 88 per cent) but much lower in Bangladesh, the researchers said. Deficiency of serum folate were found to be the highest in Sri Lanka (up to 52.5 per cent) and Pakistan (over 50 per cent), and lower in India (up to eight per cent) and Bangladesh (up to 30 per cent). However, looking at red blood cell folate deficiency, the researchers found a high prevalence in India -- ranging from 22 per cent to nearly 80 per cent -- and Bangladesh (over 76 per cent). Vitamin D deficiency is a key concern, the authors said, with studies reporting over two thirds of women in South Asia being deficient. Policy gaps and cultural barriers limit nutrition support National survey data of Afghanistan shows that over 95 per cent of women in Afghanistan are low on vitamin D, the study said. Estimates of vitamin D deficiency appear to have reduced over time in India, but remain high in Pakistan and Afghanistan -- both predominantly Muslim countries where most women wear clothing that reduces their skin's exposure to the sun, the authors said. Looking at public policies and programmes related to preconception nutrition in eight South Asian countries, the authors said that most countries, except Sri Lanka, lack a universal programme for health and nutrition screening and at providing essential micronutrients. The countries also lack a counselling on healthy eating and treatment for at-risk women, the authors said. They added that in countries where supportive policies are present, implementation of comprehensive nutrition services for pre-pregnant women faces significant bottlenecks. Addressing these barriers is critical to improving intervention effectiveness, programme implementation, and informed decision-making, the team said.
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Rates of overweight exceed that of underweight in South Asia: Study on pre-pregnancy malnutrition
New Delhi: Highlighting a growing burden of malnutrition among married women in South Asia prior to conceiving, an analysis shows that prevalence of being overweight has surpassed that of being underweight. The analysis, published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia journal, also finds that short stature continues to be an issue, especially in India and Bangladesh, pointing to persistent concerns about malnutrition during early childhood and its long-term effects. Researchers, including those from University College London, UK, and Population Council, India, analysed data collected through national surveys of South Asian countries -- such as the National Family Health Survey in India -- to understand the nutritional status of women before becoming pregnant. The team published a series of papers related to aspects of pre-pregnancy nutrition, including prevalence of anaemia and micronutrient deficiency in population. They also reviewed public policies and programmes that deliver interventions on preconception nutrition. "Our analysis of nationally-representative survey data reveals a growing double burden of malnutrition among preconception women in South Asia, as the prevalence of overweight (ranging from 29 per cent to 57.8 per cent) now surpasses that of underweight (4.6 per cent to 15.7 per cent) among married women," the authors wrote. Prevalence of short stature was estimated to be 10.7 per cent in India. Urbanisation, migration, along with an increased availability of ultra-processed foods, even in rural areas, have driven a higher intake of fats, sugars, and calories, contributing to a worsening nutritional status, the authors said. They added that anaemia remains persistently high in South Asia, despite intervention efforts. Anaemia prevalence in India has stagnated at 53.2 per cent during 2015-16 to 54 per cent during 2019-21, while it has marginally increased in Bangladesh (26 per cent in 2011-12 to 28.9 per cent in 2019-20), the study found. The team also looked at micronutrient deficiencies -- another critical aspect of malnutrition among women in South Asia -- by reviewing previously published studies. For example, low serum ferritin -- a marker of iron deficiency -- is common in India (31 per cent to nearly 88 per cent) but much lower in Bangladesh, the researchers said. Deficiency of serum folate were found to be the highest in Sri Lanka (up to 52.5 per cent) and Pakistan (over 50 per cent), and lower in India (up to eight per cent) and Bangladesh (up to 30 per cent). However, looking at red blood cell folate deficiency, the researchers found a high prevalence in India -- ranging from 22 per cent to nearly 80 per cent -- and Bangladesh (over 76 per cent). Vitamin D deficiency is a key concern, the authors said, with studies reporting over two thirds of women in South Asia being deficient. National survey data of Afghanistan shows that over 95 per cent of women in Afghanistan are low on vitamin D, the study said. Estimates of vitamin D deficiency appear to have reduced over time in India, but remain high in Pakistan and Afghanistan -- both predominantly Muslim countries where most women wear clothing that reduces their skin's exposure to the sun, the authors said. Looking at public policies and programmes related to preconception nutrition in eight South Asian countries, the authors said that most countries, except Sri Lanka, lack a universal programme for health and nutrition screening and at providing essential micronutrients. The countries also lack a counselling on healthy eating and treatment for at-risk women, the authors said. They added that in countries where supportive policies are present, implementation of comprehensive nutrition services for pre-pregnant women faces significant bottlenecks. Addressing these barriers is critical to improving intervention effectiveness, programme implementation, and informed decision-making, the team said.
Express Tribune
24-03-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Civil society collective urges population stabilisation
The Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Coalition on Population has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening accountability mechanisms and advancing Pakistan's population stabilisation efforts at the CSOs Coalition Meeting on Population held in the federal capital. Organised by the Population Council with the support of UNFPA, the meeting brought together key stakeholders to strategise on collaborative action and develop a comprehensive CSOs Coalition Workplan for 2025. In his welcome remarks, Dr Ali Mohammad Mir, Senior Director of Programs at the Population Council, emphasised the pivotal role of civil society in bridging gaps in family planning service delivery and advocacy. He referred to the National Action Plan (NAP), developed in alignment with CCI commitments and endorsed by the CCI, which explicitly outlines the responsibilities of CSOs. Mir stated, "The National Action Plan, compiled in light of CCI commitments, clearly defines the role of CSOs in working closely with provincial DOHs and PWDs to extend family planning and reproductive health services to underserved and unserved areas. Dr Saima Zubair, Senior Vice President of the Pakistan Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP), highlighted the transformative role of CSOs and private sector engagement in strengthening family planning services across Pakistan. She stressed the need for innovative service delivery approaches, particularly in marginalised communities, and cited a successful Population Council study in rural Islamabad, which demonstrated that engaging male family physicians significantly increased the uptake of family planning services. Members of the CSOs Coalition worked collectively on developing the CSOs Coalition Workplan for 2025, identifying key priority areas, including strengthening advocacy for the effective implementation of the NAP of Population.
Express Tribune
15-03-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Media urged to address rapid population growth
The media has a vital role to play in advancing the population management agenda in Pakistan, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by rapid population growth — a major hurdle to national progress and development. This was the central theme of the National Media Coalition Meeting on Harnessing Media for Positive Social Change, organised by the Population Council with the support of UNFPA. Journalists from leading media outlets across Pakistan participated, emphasising the media's power to shape public discourse, and policy action. In his welcome remarks, Population Council's Senior Director, Dr Ali Mir, stressed the urgency of tackling Pakistan's rapid population growth, which threatens economic stability, resource distribution, and the country's ability to meet its development goals. He highlighted the increasing strain on public services such as healthcare, education, and employment, underscoring the need for collective action. "The media has the power to inform, educate, and influence public perception, ultimately driving policies that promote sustainable population growth. By shedding light on key issues, journalists can mobilize action and help address the challenges posed by an expanding population," he stated. Population Council's Director Communication, Ali Mazhar Choudhary, led a session on effectively mainstreaming the population agenda through media. Coalition members worked on a strategic plan to advance the narrative of sustainable population growth, identifying key focus areas for media coverage. These included the links between rapid population growth and climate change, women's empowerment, female education, the integration of population welfare indicators in the NFC Award, political will, the role of Lady Health Workers (LHWs) in family planning, and incorporating family planning services into social protection networks.
