Experts raise concern over rise in birth rate

Experts have stated that the birth rate in Pakistan is increasing rapidly, while resources are limited in comparison. There is a lack of access to necessities such as food, housing, education, and health services. To ensure appropriate spacing between childbirths, the use of contraceptive methods is essential. This will not only reduce maternal mortality during pregnancy and childbirth but also contribute to the development of a healthier society.

In Pakistan, 62% of women do not use any method for spacing between births, 10% use modern methods, while 27% rely on traditional methods, they said.

These views were expressed at a seminar organized in Lahore on the occasion of World Contraception Day in collaboration with the DKT and Express Media Group. Participants included DKT Pakistan's Country Director, George Papa Christo, Dr Masood Khan, Director Public-Private Strategic Partnership, DKT Pakistan, Syed Shakeel Hashmi, Head of Dhanak Healthcare Centres, Ammar Kamran, Deputy Senior Manager Partnerships and Alliance, and Saman Rai, Director General Punjab Population Welfare Department.

DKT Pakistan's Country Head, George Papa Christo, stated that since 2013, the organisation has been providing health services to women, particularly facilities for spacing between childbirths, through Dhanak Healthcare Centres. The DKT is now launching a project for the repackaging of IUDs in Faisalabad. He emphasised the importance of spacing between births and expressed commitment to enhancing and expanding DKT's services in Pakistan. Editor of Express Forum, Ajmal Sattar Malik, mentioned that Express Media Group has always endeavored to organise programmes that increase awareness about health issues.

Dr Masood Khan, Director Public-Private Strategic Partnership DKT, said that Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world, with a birth rate of 2.5% annually. A large number of women die during pregnancy and childbirth. About 40 per cent of children are born with malnutrition and anemia. He stated that the solution to these issues is to ensure appropriate spacing between childbirths.