Maternal Mortality in Rural Areas of Pakistan: Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

Pakistan is one of the countries in South Asia ranking high in maternal mortality rate. Though, a signatory of Agenda 2030, the country still lags behind considerably in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The ratio of maternal mortality is, even higher in rural areas of the country. Lack of health care facilities, education, malnutrition, poverty, high prevalence of violence against women in rural areas, and socioeconomic factors are some of the major contributing elements for elevated levels of maternal mortality and morbidity rate in Pakistan. By making inclusive policies at the national level to improve the reach of the rural population to healthcare facilities, educating women and eliminating gender-based disparities, introducing family planning interventions, accountability, and continuity of democracy are essentially needed to improve maternal health in Pakistan’s rural areas. This chapter focuses on challenges to maternal health in rural areas and possible options to resolve these issues.

Maternal mortality in Pakistan: Challenges, efforts, and recommendations

“…Pakistan has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in South Asia [ 12 ]. Despite being a signatory of Agenda 2030, the country still lags considerably behind when it comes to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [ 12 ].…”

“…Pakistan has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in South Asia [ 12 ]. Despite being a signatory of Agenda 2030, the country still lags considerably behind when it comes to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [ 12 ]. Approximately 20% of the deaths that occur among women of childbearing age are related to maternal complications [ 13 ].…”

“…Pakistan Maternal Mortality Survey 2019, conducted by the National Institute of Population Studies and funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), reveals considerable demographic differences between rural and urban areas of Pakistan [ 12 ]. The MMR is nearly 26% higher in rural areas as compared to urban areas due to a major difference in health care services provided to people living in urban areas as compared to those living in distant regions [ 12 ]. A recent survey revealed that 62% of rural women of reproductive age are uneducated, which is significantly higher than the percentage of uneducated urban women [ 12 ].…”

“…The MMR is nearly 26% higher in rural areas as compared to urban areas due to a major difference in health care services provided to people living in urban areas as compared to those living in distant regions [ 12 ]. A recent survey revealed that 62% of rural women of reproductive age are uneducated, which is significantly higher than the percentage of uneducated urban women [ 12 ]. This is particularly pertinent as women who are educated are more likely to seek prenatal care.…”

Women’s Health Issues: The Continuing Appeal for Women Health Physical Therapy Practice in Pakistan

“…1 In 2017, maternal mortality ratio was determined to be 211 deaths per 100,000 live birth globally and in Pakistan, the ratio was 186 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2021. 2,3 Besides obstetrical health issues, Pakistani female are also facing gynecological maladies on a large scale as compared to other countries such as grade I and II pelvic organ prolapse that is likely to be managed through pelvic physical therapy as per National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. 4 Regrettably, the burden of disease is increased manifolds due to unavailability of expert women's health physical therapist.…”