Punjab tops immunisation coverage at 79%, followed by KP at 69%, Sindh at 66%, and Balochistan at 54%
Pakistan Makes Progress in Child and Maternal Health, But Inequalities Persist
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has achieved notable improvements in key child and maternal health indicators between 2018–19 and 2024–25, according to findings from the Household Integrated Economic Survey (HIES) 2024–25, compiled by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
The report shows gains in immunisation coverage, skilled birth attendance, and child survival rates, though significant disparities remain across regions and socio-economic groups, The News reported.
Immunisation coverage has improved modestly, with record-based full immunisation rising from 68% to 73%, and combined record-and-recall estimates increasing from 76% to 78%. Provincial differences remain pronounced: Punjab leads at 79%, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa records 69%, Sindh 66%, and Balochistan lags at 54%.
Child health indicators present a mixed picture. The prevalence of diarrhea among children under five has increased from 6% to 10%, while consultations with healthcare practitioners have declined from 84% to 77%. Meanwhile, the use of oral rehydration salts (ORS) has risen from 53% to 60%, reflecting improvements in home-based care.
Mortality indicators show steady progress. Infant mortality has declined from 57 to 47 deaths per 1,000 live births, and neonatal mortality has fallen from 41 to 35 per 1,000. Despite these gains, both remain high by international standards.
Maternal education emerges as a critical determinant of child survival. Infant mortality among children of mothers with no education is 72 per 1,000 live births, compared to just 11 among those whose mothers have higher education.
Maternal healthcare has also improved. Home deliveries have decreased from 30% to 16%, while skilled birth attendance has risen from 70% to 84%. More births are now taking place in healthcare facilities, with doctors playing a leading role in delivery care.
Overall, the report describes Pakistan’s progress as meaningful but uneven, with improvements in key indicators tempered by persistent inequalities related to geography, healthcare access, and maternal education.
About the Author
