The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on global and national partners to urgently invest in preventing maternal and newborn deaths in Pakistan, linking it directly to the country’s future prosperity.
This significant statement was issued from the WHO on the World Health Day. It stated that each day in Pakistan, 675 babies under one month and 27 mothers lose their lives due to preventable complications. This translates to over 246,300 newborn and more than 9,800 maternal deaths annually. The country also records more than 190,000 stillbirths each year.
WHO, under the global theme ‘Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures,’ renewed its commitment to work with Pakistan to ensure all mothers and newborns receive quality health care.
Dr. Dapeng Luo, WHO Representative in Pakistan, emphasized the need for intensified efforts, stating that every maternal or newborn death is one too many and that the financial burden of inaction far exceeds the investment required.
He noted that every US$ 1 invested in maternal and newborn health can yield returns between US$ 9 to US$ 20, describing the spending as an investment in human capital that leads to economic and social development.
WHO highlighted progress made by Pakistan, with maternal mortality dropping from 276 to 155 deaths per 100,000 live births between 2006 and 2024. Neonatal mortality decreased from 52 to 37.6 per 1,000 live births over the same period. Stillbirth rates fell from 39.8 per 1,000 births in 2000 to 27.5 in 2024.
The organization also recognized Pakistan’s achievements in controlling maternal and neonatal tetanus. As of March 2025, ICT and Pakistan-administered Kashmir reached elimination targets, following Sindh in December 2024 and Punjab in 2016. Today, 80% of the country’s population lives in areas with controlled tetanus transmission.
Despite this progress, WHO stressed the need for greater investment to meet Sustainable Development Goal targets by 2030, including reducing maternal mortality to 70 deaths per 100,000 live births and neonatal mortality to 12 per 1,000.
Priorities include expanding access to sexual and reproductive health services, antenatal and birth care, newborn care including breastfeeding and infection prevention, and addressing indirect causes such as anaemia, which affects 41.7% of women of reproductive age.
WHO also highlighted the importance of midwifery care, mental health support, family planning, and economic and educational opportunities to empower women in making informed health decisions.
WHO reaffirmed its support to Pakistan in achieving health for all and building a healthier future for the coming generations.