ISLAMABAD
\nExperts Friday on \u2018World Population Day\u2019 called for unwavering political resolve and collaborative action, coupled with expansive awareness initiatives to challenge harmful myths, address family planning gaps, sharply cut maternal and infant deaths, and eliminate nutritional deficiencies among women.
\nChief Executive Officer of QZ Catalyst, Yasmeen Qazi, in an exclusive conversation with a local news channel, stressed the importance of strong political commitment, citing Bangladesh as a successful example where sustained government efforts significantly improved family planning services and maternal health outcomes. She added that Pakistan\u2019s population has now exceeded 240 million, highlighting the urgent need for similar focused interventions in the country.
\nDr. Nighat Shah, Head of the Gynaecology Department at JPMC, also emphasized that the primary focus should be on saving the lives of mothers and ensuring their nutritional well-being.
\nShe pointed out that maternal health cannot be improved without addressing the essential nutritional needs of women, especially during pregnancy and postpartum. Shah also stressed the critical role of male involvement in maternal health.
\nShe called for more counseling and encouragement of men to support their wives during pregnancy, which is crucial for better outcomes. Involving men not only enhances family support systems but also promotes healthier practices within households. Furthermore, Dr. Shah addressed the prevalent misconceptions and myths around family planning and maternal health, particularly those linked to Islamic teachings.
\nShe urged religious leaders and communities to play an active role in dispelling these myths, ensuring that women receive the care and support they need without fear of cultural or religious judgment. Ayesha Leghari, Country Representative of PSI, further emphasized the critical role of political will and the importance of innovation in addressing family planning challenges.
\nShe pointed out that innovative solutions, tailored to the times, are necessary to make a real impact in improving family planning access and awareness. Leghari stressed that education is key to bridging the gap in family planning knowledge. She highlighted alarming statistics, revealing that 99% of people in the country are unaware of basic family planning methods.
\nThis lack of awareness, she noted, is a significant barrier to improving maternal health and empowering women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health, she mentioned. In conclusion, Leghari called for comprehensive and sustained efforts, including educational campaigns and policy-driven initiatives, to address this knowledge gap.
\nBy raising awareness and providing accurate information, she believed that Pakistan can make significant strides in improving family planning access and ultimately, the health and well-being of its population, she added.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD Experts Friday on \u2018World Population Day\u2019 called for unwavering political resolve and collaborative action, coupled with expansive awareness initiatives to challenge harmful myths, address family planning gaps, sharply cut maternal and infant deaths, and eliminate nutritional deficiencies among women. Chief Executive Officer of QZ Catalyst, Yasmeen Qazi, in an exclusive conversation with a local […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-489702","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n