ISLAMABAD, August 12, 2026: Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has stressed that healthy mothers and children are the foundation of strong families, productive communities and a resilient Pakistan, calling for greater investment in maternal, newborn and child healthcare.Addressing the launch ceremony of the National Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Social and Behaviour Change Communication Campaign as Chief Guest, the Chairman appreciated the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, UNICEF Pakistan, development partners, healthcare professionals, academia and civil society for their efforts to improve health outcomes.
Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said Pakistan had made progress in key health indicators, with infant mortality declining to 47 per 1,000 live births and the maternal mortality ratio improving to 186 per 100,000 live births. However, he noted that significant challenges remained in ensuring timely, affordable and quality healthcare for mothers and newborns.Highlighting the UNICEF-supported campaign, he said it focuses on three potentially life-saving behaviours: timely antenatal care, skilled birth attendance and essential newborn care. He emphasized that timely and accurate information, combined with accessible healthcare services, can help save lives.
The Chairman stressed that awareness campaigns must be supported by trained healthcare workers, effective referral systems, quality medical facilities and affordable treatment. He also highlighted the importance of initiatives such as the Benazir Nashonuma Programme, particularly during the critical first 1,000 days of life.He underscored Parliament’s role in strengthening policies, legislation and oversight related to maternal and child health, particularly for women and children living in remote and underserved areas and those affected by poverty, displacement and climate-related emergencies.
Commending UNICEF Pakistan for its continued partnership and technical support, the Chairman called for stronger coordination among government institutions, development partners, healthcare professionals and civil society to achieve lasting improvements in maternal and child health.“When we protect our mothers and give our children a healthy start, we invest in the health, strength and future of Pakistan,” he said.
Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Syed Mustufa Kamal, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan Pernille Ironside, senior government officials, development partners, healthcare professionals, academics and civil society representatives attended the ceremony.
