The dire state of maternal and child health in Pakistan is not only a humanitarian crisis but also a significant economic burden on the country. With high rates of malnutrition, anemia, and maternal mortality, Pakistan faces healthcare costs and lost productivity that severely hinder national development. Nutrition International estimates that the country loses $17 billion annually due to under-nutrition, while the economic impacts of low breastfeeding practices add another $28 billion to the toll. This situation demands immediate and comprehensive intervention to reverse the cycle of poor health outcomes that plague mothers and children across the nation.

The state of women’s health in Pakistan has long been compromised by governmental neglect and deeply entrenched societal norms, resulting in limited healthcare access and perpetuating a cycle of poor health outcomes for women across the nation.

This grim reality was recently highlighted in a report presented at a conference organized by the Ministry of National Health Services, in collaboration with Nutrition International, an NGO focused on combating malnutrition in developing countries.

The report paints a disturbing picture of women’s health in Pakistan. Anemia affects 41% of Pakistani women, with over 900,000 new cases annually among pregnant women and adolescent girls. Pakistan ranks fourth in South Asia and 35th globally in terms of anemia prevalence among women and children.

The poor state of maternal nutrition has contributed to one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the region, with 186 deaths per 100,000 live births. It has also led to insufficient breastfeeding practices, increasing the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, which claim the lives of 2,000 mothers each year.

These numbers are more than just statistics—they reflect the tragic consequences of chronic neglect and preventable suffering. Behind each figure is a life affected by inadequate care and unmet needs.

Moreover, maternal malnutrition has a direct impact on child health, contributing to 1.4 million cases of low birth weight annually. Malnourished mothers often struggle with breastfeeding, leading to poor infant nutrition and perpetuating the cycle of poor health. Low breastfeeding rates result in 6.9 million cases of infant diarrhea, 19,000 instances of child obesity, and 30,525 child deaths each year.

Furthermore, inadequate breastfeeding practices have been linked to increased cases of breast and ovarian cancers, claiming the lives of around 2,000 mothers annually.

The crisis also impacts child health, says the report, adding that maternal undernutrition results in 1.4 million low birth weight cases each year, with malnourished mothers struggling to breastfeed adequately. This deficiency has led to 6.9 million cases of infant diarrhoea, 19,000 instances of child obesity, and 30,525 child deaths annually, it reveals.

The dismal state of maternal and child health in Pakistan, beyond being a national tragedy, has severe economic consequences. The healthcare costs and lost productivity associated with these issues place a significant strain on the nation’s resources, hindering economic growth. According to Nutrition International, Pakistan loses at least $17 billion annually due to under-nutrition, with an additional $28 billion lost each year due to the economic impacts of low breastfeeding rates.

The urgency of this crisis cannot be overstated, and it requires an equally swift and comprehensive response. The federal government’s commitment to accelerating the implementation of the Pakistan Maternal Nutrition Strategy 2022-27 is a positive step, as the strategy provides a comprehensive maternal nutrition package covering preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum care. However, as health is a provincial responsibility, the success of this strategy will depend on securing the cooperation of all provinces and ensuring its smooth implementation at the provincial level.

Moreover, federal and provincial stakeholders must ensure that efforts to combat maternal malnutrition include improving access to nutritional education and supplements, strengthening healthcare systems, promoting food security, and supporting breastfeeding. These measures must also address the social determinants of health, such as poverty, education, and gender inequality.

An essential component of this battle is addressing the prevalence of child marriages in Pakistan, which exacerbate problems like anemia, malnutrition, and high maternal and infant mortality rates. Combating child marriages must be central to efforts to improve maternal and infant nutrition.

Breaking this intergenerational cycle of ill-health and neglect demands a collective commitment and sustained action to ensure that future generations can grow up healthier and free from the burden of preventable malnutrition.

Addressing Pakistan’s maternal and child health crisis requires urgent, coordinated efforts from both federal and provincial governments. The Pakistan Maternal Nutrition Strategy 2022-27 is a step in the right direction, but its success depends on securing provincial commitment and addressing underlying social issues like poverty, education, and gender inequality. Tackling the root causes, including child marriages, is essential to ending the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition and poor health. With sustained focus and collective will, Pakistan can create a healthier future for its mothers and children, lifting the nation from the burden of preventable suffering and economic loss.