Maternal mortality.

Byline: Dr Shahnaz Shallwani - Karachi

THIS is with reference to the report 'Needless deaths' (Feb 22). The maternal mortality rate in Pakistan, as per the Maternal and Child Health survey of 2019, has decreased to 186 deaths per 100,000 live births. The maternal mortality ratio in Pakistan has decreased from 276 deaths per 100,000 live births, as per the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey of 2006-7, to 186, according to the latest survey.

Comparing the death rate from maternal causes with the current Covid-19 pandemic, it seems both are preventable and avoidable. Both require social acceptance, behavioural change, community awareness, mobilisation and priority status.

Many efforts are made at the level of public and private sectors, and donor support is also available, but it is still not enough. Blaming the government is not acceptable anymore. Community mobilisation and understanding of the grave situation with regard to both the issues are very...