A fact sheet released by an international non-governmental organization (NGO) has revealed alarming statistics about infant mortality in Punjab, where 73 out of every 1,000 newborns die before their first birthday. This is the highest rate in Pakistan, significantly above the national average of 62 per 1,000 live births. The report attributes the high mortality rate to food shortages, poor maternal health, and rapid population growth.
Family Planning: A Key Solution
Experts from the Population Council have identified the lack of widespread adoption of family planning as a major factor contributing to Punjab’s high infant mortality rate. The NGO’s data suggests that increasing the use of family planning methods could save thousands of lives annually. Currently, Pakistan’s national family planning rate is 34%, and raising it to 52% could prevent 140,000 infant deaths each year. In Punjab, where the rate is slightly higher at 41%, increasing it to 59% could save 73,000 newborn lives annually.
Causes of High Infant Mortality in Punjab
The fact sheet highlights several reasons for Punjab’s high infant mortality rate, including:
- Inadequate healthcare infrastructure
- Illiteracy
- Food insecurity
- Unemployment
- A cultural preference for male children
- Lack of awareness about maternal health and family planning
Punjab also has the highest birth rate among all provinces, further straining its limited resources. In comparison, infant mortality rates in other provinces are lower, with Sindh recording 60 deaths per 1,000 live births, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 53, and Balochistan 48.
Experts Call for Urgent Action
Population Council Senior Director, Dr. Ali Meer, warned that Pakistan’s unchecked population growth could lead to severe shortages in food, education, jobs, healthcare, and infrastructure. He stressed that neglecting family planning not only endangers maternal and infant lives but also exacerbates the country’s resource crisis.
Ikramul Haq, the organization’s Director, urged the government to prioritize child mortality issues and raise awareness about family planning among married couples. He emphasized that addressing population growth is critical to improving infant survival rates.
Maternal Health and Education
Former medical superintendent of Lady Willingdon Hospital, Dr. Sabahat Habib, linked Punjab’s high infant mortality rate to illiteracy and poor maternal health. She noted that many mothers give birth repeatedly without access to adequate healthcare or family planning resources, putting both their lives and their children’s lives at risk.
Population Growth Projections
Population Council Research Manager, Dr. Saima Bashir, cautioned that Pakistan’s population could reach 386 million by 2050 if growth remains unchecked. She called for the adoption of international family planning standards and urged the government to act swiftly to address the issue.
