KARACHI: Pakistan continues to face an alarmingly high burden of neonatal mortality, with 40 newborns dying for every 1,000 live births each year, mostly from preventable causes. To address this crisis, the Institute for Global Health and Development (IGHD) at the Aga Khan University organized a National Seminar on Accelerating Newborn Survival and Care in Pakistan, bringing together policymakers, clinicians, researchers and development partners.
The seminar highlighted critical gaps in the availability, quality and equitable coverage of essential services for newborns. Experts stressed the need for district-level solutions, strengthening advanced neonatal support such as Level II care, and rapidly scaling up proven, evidence-based practices across provinces and regions.
Dr. Zulfiqar A. Bhutta, Founding Director of IGHD, emphasized the urgency of reducing disparities in newborn care. “Simple, proven practices such as helping babies breathe, supporting breastfeeding and promoting skin-to-skin care can save countless newborn lives and improve maternal health,” he said.
Chief guest Professor Ayesha Isani Majeed, Director General Health at the Federal Ministry of Health Services, announced the formation of a National Technical Working Group to prioritize newborn care and raise its visibility on government platforms. She also confirmed that routine immunization has been designated as a priority within the National Immunization Management System, urging stakeholders to champion the cause.
“Seminars like this provide a valuable opportunity to connect research with policy dialogue, enabling provinces and institutions to adopt approaches that are practical and effective within their contexts,” Professor Majeed said.
Dr. Shabina Ariff, Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health at AKU, said Pakistan already has the knowledge and tools to prevent most newborn deaths. “What is needed is consistent implementation, quality assurance and accountability so that every mother and newborn receives timely, high-quality care,” she added.
The seminar concluded with a call for immediate and coordinated action to reduce preventable newborn deaths and secure a healthier future for Pakistan’s children.
