Reducing the Burden of Neonatal Mortality in Pakistan

Abstract

The chances of dying on the first day of life are second only to the last day of life. Newborns, thus, represent a very vulnerable subset of population. This is especially the case in low- and middle-income countries like Pakistan. Although our Neonatal Mortality Rate has declined during the last few decades, it failed to keep pace with the targets set in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Pakistan continues to have one of the highest neonatal Mortality Rates in the world. As we enter the era of Sustainable Development Goals, every effort should be made to meet the new targets set in the SDGs.With the ever-increasing financial burden of healthcare (especially in a struggling economy like ours), careful thought should be given to adopting measures to save newborn lives and improve their health status. These measures should not only be efficacious but also cost effective and sustainable. Keeping in mind the mother newborn dyad, measures to improve neonatal outcome must address maternal health simultaneously. Reducing neonatal mortality in low- and middle income countries (LMICs) is thus a multifaceted challenge that requires a combination of strategies addressing various factors contributing to newborn deaths. Here are some effective approaches