‘Maternal mortality has declined, but it still falls short of desired levels’

The Hamdard Foundation Pakistan (HFP) and Hamdard Public School (HPS) organized an online International Children Health Conference on Monday to commemorate International Health Day, focusing on the WHO’s theme for this year: "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures."

The conference, which brought together young speakers from the USA, Russia, Iran, Malaysia, Australia, and various cities of Pakistan, as well as representatives from the World Health Organisation, was presided over by Dr. Mukhtiar Hussain Bhayo (Head of WHO Office Sindh), with Prof. Dr. Zeryab Setna (Hilal-e-Imtiaz) as chief guest.

Ms. Sadia Rashid, President of HFP, delivered the opening statement, emphasizing the importance of health and well-being for future generations. She said: “This conference carries forward a legacy of three decades dedicated to raising awareness, advocating for, and promoting children's health. In view of this year’s theme, we must collectively put our efforts into providing vital resources to create a healthier world for mothers, infants, and future generations.

“The urgency for action is evident in the alarming rates of maternal and infant mortality worldwide, particularly in Pakistan. Every year, thousands of women die due to childbirth and pregnancy-related complications, while over a million newborns lose their lives within the first month. These deaths are largely preventable through timely interventions, sustained commitment, and collective action. There is an urgent need for decisive measures. The combined efforts of bureaucrats, politicians, and all relevant stakeholders are essential to bring meaningful and lasting change.”

Dr. Mukhtiar Hussain Bhayo said: “The 33rd consecutive year of Hamdard's support is truly commendable. Once again, Hamdard leads the way by hosting the first international conference to commemorate April 7th as International Health Day. This is a remarkable achievement and a proud milestone for Hamdard, marking its global leadership in health advocacy.

“This year’s theme focuses on women and children. While maternal mortality has declined, it still falls short of the desired levels. It is heartbreaking that mothers continue to die from natural childbirth. The scale of this issue is immense—within just two hours of this event, over a thousand mothers have died worldwide due to cultural taboos, lack of basic healthcare, conflict, and other man-made calamities. Beyond governments, all sectors of society must contribute—NGOs, universities, media, social influencers, and advocacy groups must come together to create an effective awareness strategy. We must also ensure that children are vaccinated and public awareness is improved. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pakistan emerged as a success story. That experience proves we have the potential to overcome even the most daunting challenges.”