REDUCING MATERNAL MORTALITY VIA MIDWIFERY IN DISTRICTS JHANG AND KHANEWAL OF PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Maternal mortality is one of the serious issues around the globe. About 800 expecting women die globally every day due to causes related to childbirth and pregnancy. One of the key reasons for the higher maternal mortality ratio in developing countries is the unavailability of skilled birth attendants. Pakistan, a low-income country, reported the highest Maternal mortality ratio (MMR), 186 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2019, which increased by 32% compared to the 2017 MMR. Despite all the efforts made by Pakistan, the country has made slow progress in achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5; challenges of political fragility, complex security issues, and natural disasters made it more resistant. Our study used data from the recently established maternal, newborn, and child health program (MNCH) from two Districts in Pakistan. The study aimed to identify the efficient role of community health workers (CMWs) as home-based skilled service providers in reducing maternal mortality in two districts ( Jhang and Khanewal), Punjab, Pakistan. The study found that women are more likely to suffer from internal health issues despite the reasons many pregnant females (60%) had no antenatal visit during the first trimester of their pregnancy. Results indicated that examination through CMWs is more effective than the antenatal visit reported in health centers. It indicates the need to improve the skills and quality of home-based service providers’ facilitation and well-trained practice of instrument-assisted deliveries, especially by mid-level skilled birth attendants. Keywords: Maternal mortality, Midwifery, skilled birth attendants, MNCH Programme, antenatal