opulation growth is a highly debated issue globally. Pakistan, now the fifth most populous country in the world, recently surpassed its previous rank (the sixth). The surge in population has become a significant issue in the country, especially in light of the pressing challenges posed by economic difficulties and climate change. Every day, we hear about the rapid population growth in Pakistan and the urgent need to address it. However, discussions often fall short when it comes to specific actions and clear direction.

Awareness programmes and initiatives to convince communities about family planning have been around for a long time. These efforts have brought about some change, yet many communities remain confused about how to translate awareness and information into practice. Social and cultural norms have a significant role in this. Deep-rooted beliefs and traditions often influence decisions, making it difficult for communities to embrace the information they receive and act accordingly.

It is crucial to carefully consider the message we communicate to the youth and to ensure that it resonates with them. We must understand how they will perceive the message, considering their beliefs, attitudes, religion and other influential factors. Directly telling a community to adopt family planning may not be well-received. Instead, messaging that emphasises birth spacing and its benefits for the health of the mother and the children may be more effective. This approach is likely to resonate better with the community.

The health guidelines emphasise that newborns should receive exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods up to two years of age. However, there is a lack of clear and direct messaging on this crucial aspect. It is important to highlight that breastfeeding for two years is not only beneficial for the child’s health but also their right. This message can be effectively communicated by emphasising its importance in ensuring the child’s well-being. The Holy Quran mentions the importance of breastfeeding, saying that mothers should breastfeed their children until they reach the age of two. This directive underscores the significance of breastfeeding as not only a health practice but also a religious and cultural norm that supports the well-being of the child and the mother. Highlighting this teaching can help reinforce the importance of breastfeeding for two years as recommended by health guidelines. If this message is communicated effectively, families may prioritise ensuring that their children complete the breastfeeding period. This shift could prevent the occurrence of annual pregnancies soon after marriage.

It is also crucial to consider some other factors such as the behaviour, information, and counselling provided by health providers. For instance, some health providers may suggest purchase of formula milk soon after a baby is born. There is a common misconception that the mother’s first milk is not healthy. The reality is quite the opposite: the mother’s first milk, known as colostrum, is the healthiest for the child. It provides essential nutrients and antibodies.

Joint decision-making in families is crucial, especially when it comes to discussing health matters. It is essential for the husband and the wife to engage in conversations about their health and that of their children. Accompanying the wife to health facilities during pregnancy, delivery and post-pregnancy is important for husbands. The practice contributes to informed decisions that ultimately lead to a healthier family. There is a pressing need to promote these practices in all communities. Elders and community influencers have an important role not only in understanding these matters themselves but also in guiding their younger relatives to promote communication between husbands and wives on health matters.

It is common for a recently married couple to experience pressure from family members and others who start inquiring about “good news” soon after the wedding. This typically refers to the anticipation of a pregnancy announcement. This societal expectation can create a sense of urgency and stress for the couple, as they may feel pressured to conceive quickly to meet the expectations of their families and the community. After having their first child, many couples face societal pressure with suggestions to have more children early in their marriage. There is a misconception that it is better to have the children early. This misconception creates confusion and stress for young couples, complicating their decisions and overshadowing their ability to make healthy choices for their future.

A significant portion of Pakistan’s population is young. 64 percent of Pakistanis are under the age of 30 and 29 percent between 15 and 29 years old. It is crucial to effectively communicate the right messages to the youth so that they can make informed and healthy choices for themselves and their families. These should focus on informing young couples about the health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, and the value of child spacing. Health services providers have a crucial role in this effort by offering accurate information and counselling, discouraging the use of formula milk and promoting the advantages mother’s milk. Additionally, community influencers and elders must guide their younger relatives to foster open communication between husbands and wives on health matters, ensuring they can make healthy choices for their families.

The writer is a communications specialist based in Rawalpindi. He may be reached at qureshiwaqas@gmail.com. He tweets @qureshiwaqasA