Pakistan health and demographic indicators still continue to be poor, compared both to its neighbours in Asia and other EMRO countries. The maternal health sector continues to need major strengthening in Pakistan. 

In recent years, some marginal gains have been achieved in Pakistan (PDHS 2007) i.e. (1) Antenatal care has risen from 41% in 2006 to 61 %; (2) Tetanus toxoid coverage is also about 60%, yet post– natal care remains low at 22% and the presence of a skilled birth attendant at delivery is only 4 in 10 births. MMR is being quoted at 350/100000 live births.

The leading causes of maternal mortality in Pakistan and responsible for two thirds of all maternal deaths in hospital and community settings, remains haemorrhage, puerperal sepsis, hypertensive disease of pregnancy and obstructed labour.

Pakistan’s family planning and contraceptive picture remains mixed. CPR dropped to 30% in 2007 compared to 34% quoted for 2006 although knowledge about family planning remained high at 90%. The unmet need for family planning /contraception remained high at 43.3 %. The total fertility rate remains at 4.1.

Maternal survival is closely linked to infant survival. In Pakistan, about half of all infant deaths can be attributed to poor maternal health and nutrition and it is estimated that 25% of babies born are of low birth weight. Leading causes of NMR remain birth asphyxia, low birth weight, neonatal tetanus and other infections.

As regards nutrition, the maternal nutritional status in Pakistan is poor. Under weight mothers (non-pregnant) are 12% and under weight mothers (lactating) are estimated at 13 %. More than ½ of world’s malnourished children are found in just three countries i.e. Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.

Pakistan, to achieve the targets set for MDG 4 and 5 has endorsed a National Maternal Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH) Strategic and Policy Framework. Based on this, a National programme of MNCH (worth PKR 20 billion) was approved by the Government of Pakistan in March 2007, while the Ministry of Health has appointed the Project Director.