Initiative tackles maternal, newborn health gaps due to data scarcity

(PRESS RELEASE) Amidst alarming statistics revealing disparities in maternal and newborn health, a new global initiative has been launched to confront these pressing issues head-on. Dr Zafar Iqbal, head of Pediatrics at a local hospital in Islamabad, emphasised the urgency of the situation, particularly in low-income countries across Africa, Latin America, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, where 12 million pregnancies go unattended annually among 21 million mothers giving birth.

Punjab police’s crackdown on kite flying continues

Backed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international health agencies, the initiative aims to tackle various challenges faced by mothers and newborns, including pre-eclampsia, psychological issues, and infections leading to sepsis. These complications not only pose immediate risks during childbirth but also have long-term implications for both maternal and child health.

In remote low-income areas with limited access to healthcare, mothers aged 15 to 19 are particularly vulnerable to irregular infections, leading to childbirth complications and disabilities in newborns. Dr. Zafar highlighted the risk of conditions such as heart defects, malnutrition, and cognitive developmental issues among children born to early-aged mothers.

PTI announces plans to move Peshawar High Court against ECP

A key focus of the initiative is to enhance access to quality healthcare for expectant mothers, especially in underserved regions with inadequate healthcare infrastructure. By providing essential prenatal care, including screenings for pre-term birth and addressing malnutrition, the initiative aims to reduce childbirth complications and improve outcomes for both mothers and newborns.

Additionally, the initiative stresses the importance of education and awareness campaigns to empower women with knowledge about maternal health and the significance of seeking timely medical assistance during pregnancy and childbirth.

Dr Maria, a spokesperson for the initiative, emphasised the critical need to address the staggering number of mothers and newborns lacking adequate care, highlighting the necessity of global collaboration to ensure access to essential healthcare services.

PTI seeks permission for rally at Liaquat Bagh

Furthermore, the initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include targets to enhance maternal and child health outcomes worldwide.

As momentum builds behind the initiative, experts are optimistic that it will yield tangible improvements in maternal and newborn health, ultimately saving lives and securing a brighter future for generations to come.