Pakistan: Nearly 650,000 Pregnant Women in Flood-Affected Areas at Risk of Maternal Health Crises

Strategic Insights -

As historic floods in Pakistan continue to wreak havoc on the country, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is sounding the alarm on the critical need for emergency maternal health services for pregnant women in flood-affected areas. With nearly 650,000 pregnant women in need of maternal health services, the UNFPA estimates that up to 73,000 women due to give birth next month will require skilled birth attendants, newborn care, and support. The UNFPA is working closely with the Pakistani government to ensure that pregnant women and new mothers continue to receive lifesaving services, even in the most difficult conditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UNFPA estimates that nearly 650,000 pregnant women in flood-affected areas need maternal health services to ensure safe pregnancy and childbirth.
  • Up to 73,000 women due to give birth next month will require skilled birth attendants, newborn care, and support.
  • The UNFPA is working closely with the Pakistani government to ensure that pregnant women and new mothers continue to receive lifesaving services.
  • Over 1,000 lives have been claimed by the floods, and countless homes have been destroyed or damaged.
  • The floods have also compromised girls' and women's access to health facilities, with over 1,000 sanitary facilities damaged in Sindh province.
  • The UNFPA has so far delivered over 8,300 dignity kits, 7,400 newborn kits, and 6,400 clean delivery kits for immediate distribution in Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab.

Statistics:

  • Nearly 650,000 pregnant women in flood-affected areas need maternal health services.
  • Up to 73,000 women due to give birth next month will require skilled birth attendants, newborn care, and support.
  • over 1,000 lives have been claimed by the floods.
  • Thousands of homes have been destroyed or damaged, compromising girls' and women's access to health facilities.
  • 1,000 sanitary facilities are partially or totally damaged in Sindh province.
  • 200 sanitary facilities are damaged in the affected districts of Balochistan.
  • 8,300 dignity kits, 7,400 newborn kits, and 6,400 clean delivery kits have been delivered by the UNFPA so far.

Sources:

  • United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
  • United Nations
  • United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
  • Pakistani government
  • Contify.com
  • MIL OSI Translation
  • Multimedia Investments Ltd
  • MIL-OSI Publisher