Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare systems across Pakistan, especially for mothers and newborns, in a message marking World Health Day 2025. He highlighted the importance of this year’s global theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” as a call to action for prioritising maternal and neonatal wellbeing.
In a statement issued Monday, the Prime Minister acknowledged the strides Pakistan has made in maternal and child health but noted that “significant gaps remain” and a more robust approach is needed. “There is still a long journey ahead,” he said, calling for comprehensive reforms to address both medical and social health determinants.
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Shehbaz Sharif outlined a multi-sectoral strategy involving technology, public-private partnerships, and investments in education, nutrition, and environmental health. “We must integrate innovation and cooperation to develop sustainable solutions,” he said, urging collective responsibility across all sectors of society.
World Health Day also marked the launch of a WHO-led global campaign aimed at eliminating preventable maternal and newborn deaths. With alarming statistics — including one preventable death every seven seconds — the campaign calls for stronger health systems, better support for midwives and healthcare workers, and policies that uphold women’s rights and access to reproductive services.
Meanwhile, UN agencies warned that declining international aid could jeopardise hard-won progress in maternal health. A new UN report revealed that despite a 40% drop in global maternal deaths since 2000, nearly 260,000 women still died in 2023 from pregnancy-related complications — a reminder that urgent, sustained action is essential.
