Taking the battle to maternal mortality

 Sepsis is the third leading cause of maternal mortality in Pakistan, medical experts say. One of the reasons for the increase in infections is the unnecessary use of antibiotics.

 Speaking at a seminar titled Infection Prevention in Healthcare and Women's Hygiene, the experts stressed medical workers desperately need to take precautions to control the infection. They said Infections can only be controlled by taking precautions, adding it was essential for people to keep their hands clean of avoid any kind of infection.

 Maternal mortality can be controlled through awareness at the grassroots level, including women and girls.

 The event was organised by the Express Media Group in association with the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Pakistan (SOGP) and Métier Group. General Health Deputy Director Dr Abdul Hafeez Abro participated in the seminar as a special guest.

 Other speakers included SOGP President Professor Razia Korejo, Professor Farrukh Naheed, Professor Sara Qazi, Professor Raheel Sikandar, Professor Shahnaz Hussaini, Professor Sumbul Sohail, Dr Quratul Aman, Muhammad Kamran, Professor Subhana Tayyab, Professor Tazeen Abbas, Professor Halima Yasmeen and Métier Group Marketing Director Muhammad Riaz.

Read More: Healthcare at your fingertips

Professor Farrukh Naheed acted as moderator in the seminar. Speakers provided information on the causes of infections in women and girls. As the special guest, Dr Abdul Hafeez Abro, said that precaution is very important. He said that the main reason was lack of awareness on precautionary measures to be taken before delivery.

 " Professor Sarah Qazi said caution and safety was in the hands of people. "Our aim is to educate pregnant women about hygiene. We can keep our hands clean by using sanitizer and washing our hands."

Professor Raheel Sikandar provided information on maternal mortality and sepsis. He said sepsis was a medical emergency and the third highest cause of maternal mortality. Professor Sumbul Sohail said, "We need to raise awareness to prevent the use of unnecessary antibiotics” Professor Shahnaz Hussaini said, "Sepsis is also a cause of maternal mortality.

 We need to spread awareness in this regard." Dr Quratul Aman added "Whether the patient is married or unmarried, we should ask them every question in a better way."