Every Mother Counts
Acknowledging the dire need for improving the health status of mothers and children in Pakistan, Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly, pledged full support to women’s health at a function organized by White Ribbon Alliance Pakistan (WRA-P) at Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU). The function tilted Every Mother Counts was part of the International Women Day celebrations being jointed observed by WRA-P and FJWU.
Speaking candidly to a full house of audience Mr. Kundi regretted the fact that despite living in 21st century, Pakistan still had to mourn the deaths of mothers and children who could be saved with little attention and some investment in their health and wellbeing.
He termed the annual loss of over 20 thousand mothers due to pregnancy related causes as totally unacceptable and observed that no nation could let a mother die just because she tries to bring another life in this world. He lauded the partnership between WRA-P and FJWU urging other stakeholders to join hands for a cause that needed concerted efforts. “I really appreciated the leadership of FJWU for thinking out of the box and making a partnership with a civil society organization dedicated to the cause of saving mothers in Pakistan.”
Earlier, Dr. Nabeela Ali, a leading Public Health Expert and Member Executive Council, WRA-P made a thought provoking presentation on the causes of maternal deaths in Pakistan. She highlighted step-by-step the factors that contribute to Pakistan’s high maternal mortality ratio of 276 deaths per 100,000 live births. Dr. Amanullah Khan, Secretary General, WRA-P, in his remarks focused on the high newborn mortality in Pakistan and termed it mostly a case of lack of knowledge and apathy rather than something that was due to lack of infrastructure or finances. “For saving newborn lives, one does not need rocket science but basic knowledge and support at household and community level. It is a shame that we are unable to provide even that and let hundreds of thousands of newborns die every year,” lamented Dr. Khan.
Professor Dr. Syeda Asadullah Khan, Vice Chancellor, FJWU in her address emphasized the need for improving conditions for women and assured full support of her university in spreading the messages about the mothers and newborns health. The function was also address by Director National MNCH Program, Dr. Farooq Akhtar.
Every Mother Counts also featured a painting competition on maternal health as well in which students from various universities and colleges participated. The winning painting received a cash prize of Rs. 20,000 while the runner up got Rs. 10,000 from WRA. Famous TV star and a well know artist Mr. Jamal Shah, who served on the judges panel, announced the results and distributed the prizes.
