very two minutes, a woman dies during pregnancy or childbirth, according to the latest estimates released in a report by the World Health Organisation. The report reveals alarming setbacks for women’s health over recent years. Maternal deaths either increased or degraded in nearly all regions of the world.

The UNFPA report on the State of the World Population-2024 says discrimination continues to adversely affect sexual and reproductive health for women and girls in many parts of the world. The report is a wake-up call for understanding the risks associated with structural inequalities in the countries with humanitarian crisis and conflicts. It says these have resulted in nearly 500 deaths a day.

Pakistan has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in South Asia. Despite being a signatory to Agenda 2030, the country still lags considerably when it comes to achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Nearly 20 percent of the deaths among women of childbearing age are related to maternal complications.

Pakistan Maternal Mortality Survey-2019 had reported a decline in maternal mortality in the country to 276 per 100,000. Yet there is a dire need to do more for women who are least likely in South Asia to receive adequate healthcare while residing in remote areas. 178 women die of pregnancy-related causes for every 100,000 live births. The ratio is far higher than the regional average. Not surprisingly, only about 20 percent of births are attended by a trained health professional.

A three-year gap between pregnancies is imperative to maternal and neonatal health. On average, women lose between 380ml-400ml of blood during a C-section.

Even if they have a vaginal birth, there is still postpartum bleeding which lasts around 40-45 days. In some cases, women........

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