The state of maternal nutrition in Pakistan is alarmingly poor, with over 41% of women suffering from anaemia, 14.4% being underweight, and 24% overweight, according to a new report. The dire situation is further highlighted by a maternal mortality rate of 186 deaths per 100,000 live births, driven in part by inadequate breastfeeding practices that contribute to the deaths of 2,000 women annually from breast and ovarian cancer and 1,100 from type-II diabetes.
The grim statistics were revealed in the ‘Cost of Inaction Tool’ developed by Nutrition International, which was presented at the ‘National Policy Dialogue on Economic Case for Maternal Nutrition’ held in Bhurban. The report underscores the severe implications of maternal undernutrition on public health and the economy, estimating that Pakistan loses at least $17 billion each year due to undernutrition—equivalent to 1% of the country’s global income.
Anaemia and Malnutrition: A Growing Crisis
The report paints a concerning picture of maternal health in Pakistan, with 918,154 new cases of anaemia among pregnant women and adolescent girls (ages 15 to 49) annually. Pakistan ranks as the fourth highest in prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls and women in South Asia and 35th globally out of 201 countries.
In addition to anaemia, the country faces 1.4 million cases of low birth weight each year, further exacerbating the cycle of malnutrition that begins in utero. The economic and health costs of this malnutrition are staggering, with low breastfeeding rates alone costing Pakistan $28 billion annually. The country records 6.9 million cases of diarrhoea, 19,000 cases of child obesity, 30,525 child deaths due to diarrhoea and pneumonia, and 3,196 maternal deaths related to breast and ovarian cancer and type-II diabetes.
Bhurban Declaration: A Commitment to Change
In response to these alarming findings, the federal government, along with provincial health departments, GB and AJK, and key stakeholders including WHO, UNICEF, and WFP, endorsed the ‘Bhurban Declaration’. This declaration pledges to accelerate the implementation of the ‘Pakistan Maternal Nutrition Strategy 2022-27’. It focuses on integrating maternal nutrition into existing health services and universal health coverage frameworks, increasing public funding for maternal nutrition programs, and strengthening response mechanisms to address women’s nutritional needs, particularly during emergencies.
Dr. Fouzia Hanif, Deputy Director of Reproductive Maternal Newborn Child Adolescent Health and Nutrition at the federal health ministry, emphasized the urgent need for targeted interventions. “The current maternal nutrition indicators underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to break the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition,” she said. Dr. Hanif called for coordinated efforts from all stakeholders to develop a holistic approach rooted in the Pakistan Costed Multi-Sectoral National Nutrition Action Plan 2023-2030. She expressed hope that the declaration would catalyze sustained progress towards improving maternal nutrition in the country.
Nutrition International official Dr. Irfanullah highlighted the organization’s ongoing efforts, stating, “Our efforts focus on providing essential micronutrient supplementation, strengthening the capacity of healthcare providers, and ensuring quality care for positive pregnancy outcomes and safe births.”
A Path Forward
The Bhurban Declaration represents a significant step towards addressing the critical issue of maternal malnutrition in Pakistan. By committing to the Pakistan Maternal Nutrition Strategy 2022-27, the government and its partners have pledged to take a holistic, multi-sectoral approach to improve the health and well-being of mothers across the country.
However, achieving these goals will require sustained effort, increased funding, and strong coordination among all stakeholders. The health of mothers directly impacts the health of future generations, and improving maternal nutrition is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty and malnutrition that has plagued Pakistan for decades.
As the country moves forward, the implementation of this strategy will be crucial in ensuring that every woman has access to the nutrition and healthcare she needs to survive and thrive, thereby contributing to the overall socio-economic development of Pakistan.
