Physical Health Pakistan Project #13783

Reduce Maternal & Infant Mortality in Pakistan

by Human Development Foundation (HDF)

Project Report | Sep 4, 2013
Meet Tahira Bibi and her new baby!

By Zainab Khan | Project Leader

Tahira and a Health Worker

We are proud to share the success story of Tahira Bibi, who recently gave birth to a healthy baby after suffering multiple devastating miscarriages due to lack of healthcare in her village.

Tahira suffered her first miscarriage when she was 9 weeks pregnant in 2003. Inadequate knowledge regarding reproductive health; a poor diet; and lack of healthcare services all contributed to this tragedy.

From 2005 to 2011, Tahira Bibi had five more pregnancies, which all ended in miscarriages. She herself was uneducated and had no means of earning. Her frequent pregnancies and the family's insufficient nutrition had taken a major toll on her health and well-being. HDF's health team began visiting her regularly and began to take preventative measures to educate Tahira and also provide her with the services she was direly in need for.

In 2012, Tahira conceived again and this time, HDF strictly monitored her with regular ultrasounds throughout her pregnancy.Tahira received antenatal services from HDF's Rahim Yar Khan Community Health Center. HDF's Health Team also gave Tahira medical supplements, including folic acid for prevention from birth defects. HDF's team met with Tahira's husband and educated him on dietary needs for both mother and child.

It is no surprise that maternal healthcare in Pakistan is facing a crisis.The maternal mortality ratio is about 276 per 100,000 live births (U.N Data). Less than 45% of births are attended by some sort of trained health skill personnel such as a midwife or doctor. The majority of maternal deaths are preventable by providing adequate & accessible care.

HDF's approach is uniquely holistic & comprehensive. Mothers are encouraged to take proactive & preventative measures to promote healthy lifestyles. This is about positively changing the way women and their children live.

Tahira and her new baby

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