Rapid urbanisation compromising quality of life

Dr. Lewis of East-West Centre shares her opinion on globalization and health in South Asia.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is facing great challenges in meeting Millennium Development Goals (MDG) because of changing demographic patterns and their impact on the environment, said Nancy D Lewis of East-West Centre.

The East-West Centre, established by the US Congress in 1960, promotes better relations and understanding among the people and nations of the United States, Asia, and the Pacific through cooperative study, research, and dialogue, according to the centre’s website.

During a lecture on “Globalisation and Health in South Asia” organised by Sustainable Development Organization and Policy Institute (SDPI), Dr Lewis shared her experiences of South Asia and talked about various aspects of concern.

Citing some key figures on the global and Asian health situation, she said there was a dire need for awareness among people and sensitisation among policy-makers for upholding a basic standard of living.

Speaking of specific areas of concern, she said there was a fertility decline, unprecedented urbanisation, and rising maternal and infant mortality rates. Pakistan also has the seventh highest prevalence rate of diabetes, Dr Lewis said.

She spoke about Pakistan’s water challenges and their implications on populations, and added that approximately 20-50 per cent of the deaths of children under the age of five were due to waterborne diseases.

Highlighting gender equality in the MDG, she said ‘Triple Burden of Disease’ and agricultural practices, livelihood patterns and large population were some of the triggering factors of emerging infectious diseases in Asia Pacific and surrounding regions.

Furthermore, urbanisation in South Asia, currently over 50 per cent, was now showing an upward trend. “Considerable populations are living a critical quality of life particularly with regards to health challenges,” she went on to say.

Karachi is among the mega cities at risk because of environmental pollution and livelihood standards that can have drastic implications on the health of the population.

In the question hour, the role of media in raising health-related awareness was discussed and questions were raised on the North-South divide in terms of the transfer of modern technologies and resources to developing countries by the developed world.

Dr Abid Suleri, executive director SDPI, conducted the proceedings and underlined the need for efficient diplomacy among nations to effectively deal with growing economic and social challenges.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 12^th, 2011.