MATERNAL HEALTH CARE CHALLENGES IN PAKISTAN AND FAMILY PLANNING APPROACH: A SCOPING REVIEW OF CURRENT POLICIES AND FUTURE IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Background: Maternal health is of high concern in Pakistan, mainly due to high healthcare disparities. According to WHO, maternal mortality is primarily affected by different social and economic factors that influence women during their pregnancy and even after birth. According to the Pakistan Maternal Mortality Survey (2019), Pakistan has a maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 186 per 100,000 live births. Thus, Pakistan is lagging far behind the global target for MMR. Pakistan has launched initiatives like the Lady Health Worker program to reduce MMRs. However, there are various factors and barriers in its implementation.

Objectives: This paper aims to collect and review recent data on MMRs in Pakistan to highlight maternal healthcare challenges and disparities and current policies to fight these cultural, social and economic challenges, focusing on the family planning approach.

Methodology: This paper follows a scoping review approach that involves a broad search, analysis and review of literature, articles, survey reports and studies done in Pakistan regarding maternal health, Lady Health worker program and family planning.

Results: Efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.1 to reduce global MMR are crucial. The Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Program (MNCH) and family planning initiatives are pivotal strategies to improve maternal health outcomes in Pakistan. Enhancing contraceptive prevalence rates and addressing healthcare resource shortages are identified as key interventions.

Conclusion: This paper underscores the importance of targeted interventions, increased funding, and public health awareness campaigns to sustain progress and mitigate maternal health disparities nationwide.