A staggering 41% of women in Pakistan are battling anemia, with over 900,000 new cases reported annually among pregnant women and adolescent girls. This alarming trend places Pakistan fourth in South Asia and 35th globally in terms of anemia prevalence.
A recent report, presented at a Ministry of National Health Services conference and prepared with the support of Nutrition International, highlights the critical state of women's health in the country. The findings underscore an urgent need for comprehensive reforms, as the government’s persistent neglect, compounded by deeply rooted societal norms, has exacerbated severe health disparities among women.
The report's implications are profound as poor maternal nutrition has significantly contributed to Pakistan’s high maternal mortality rate of 186 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Furthermore, inadequate breastfeeding practices have been linked to increased cases of breast and ovarian cancers, claiming the lives of around 2,000 mothers annually.
The crisis also impacts child health, says the report, adding that maternal undernutrition results in 1.4 million low birth weight cases each year, with malnourished mothers struggling to breastfeed adequately. This deficiency has led to 6.9 million cases of infant diarrhoea, 19,000 instances of child obesity, and 30,525 child deaths annually, it reveals.
Mentioning economic consequences, Nutrition International estimates that undernutrition costs Pakistan at least $17 billion annually, with poor breastfeeding practices contributing an additional $28 billion in economic losses. These figures highlight not only the human toll but also the strain on national resources and economic development.
The federal government’s recent commitment to fast-tracking the Pakistan Maternal Nutrition Strategy 2022-27 is a positive step. This strategy aims to deliver a comprehensive maternal nutrition package, covering needs from preconception through postpartum care. However, its success hinges on collaboration with provincial governments, as health is primarily a provincial responsibility.
For this strategy to be effective, policies are needed to enhance access to nutritional education and supplements, strengthen healthcare systems, promote food security, and address underlying social determinants such as poverty, education, and gender inequality.
Addressing the prevalence of child marriages is also crucial, as early marriages worsen anemia, malnutrition, and maternal and infant mortality.
Breaking this cycle of poor health requires a united and sustained effort. By addressing these issues comprehensively, Pakistan can strive towards a healthier future for its women and children, free from the preventable burdens of malnutrition and neglect.
