Maternal, newborn and child health statistics in Pakistan have been historically appalling with little improvement seen in newborn health over the last decade. The rate of neonatal mortality reduction is estimated to be less than 1% per year during 2000-2010[1].Evidence shows that 40% of newborn deaths could be prevented through simple community based interventions. One […]
The Power of the first hour
In 2011, 6.9 million children died before they reached their fifth birthday. Perhaps not surprising in itself, until one considers the fact that 22% of newborn deaths could be prevented if breastfeeding started in the first hour after birth. Moreover, 92 million children under six months of age – two out of three babies – […]
The Global Maternal Health Conference in Arusha – Movement Momentum Manifesto
Authors: Mariam Claeson, France Donnay, Melanie Walker, Kate Teela, Becky Ferguson and Joel Segre Although the Maternal Health Task Force intended to create space for the Maternal Health community to get together to discuss challenges and solutions so that we can improve programs, the Global Maternal Health Conference 2013: Improving Quality of care in Arusha, Tanzania […]
“End Fistula Challenge” Launched in Pakistan
Written by Lindsey Pollaczek, Senior Program Manager on January 3, 2013 / As the New Year begins, Direct Relief is excited to announce a new program that aims to significantly increase the availability of obstetric fistula treatment and to improve prevention efforts to reduce the occurrence of this devastating childbirth injury in Pakistan. Obstetric fistula […]