Addressing Pakistan’s Ongoing Maternal Health Crisis
Pakistan has long struggled with the critical issue of maternal mortality, with an estimated 8,300 women losing their lives each year due to pregnancy and childbirth-related complications. The leading causes of these deaths include post-partum hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, and infections like sepsis. Widespread nutritional deficiencies among pregnant women further exacerbate the problem, while gaps in healthcare delivery, particularly at the community level, result in high rates of newborn deaths and stillbirths.
Haleon Pakistan’s Commitment to Improving Maternal Health
In response to this alarming situation, Haleon Pakistan, a prominent consumer healthcare company, has stepped forward to support efforts aimed at reducing maternal mortality. Haleon has committed two years of funding to UNICEF Pakistan to help enhance maternal healthcare services in underserved areas. This partnership aims to strengthen healthcare systems by improving the capacity of healthcare providers, especially Lady Health Workers, who play a crucial role in their communities.
Building Capacity and Educating Communities
Through this collaboration, healthcare providers will receive comprehensive training to improve their skills and competencies, enabling them to deliver better maternal and neonatal care. Additionally, Haleon and UNICEF will focus on educating pregnant women about their health and well-being, ensuring they receive essential information and support during their pregnancies. This multifaceted approach not only improves service delivery but also promotes awareness of maternal health at the grassroots level.
Creating Sustainable Change Through Awareness
At the national level, UNICEF is working to promote social and behavioral change by engaging key stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, and media platforms. This broad engagement, particularly in Punjab, helps raise public awareness about maternal and neonatal health, driving long-term improvements. Through this partnership, Haleon Pakistan aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of women and children, ensuring that maternal health remains a top priority.
