LAHORE, Dec 19 (APP):Effective policy decisions and interventions for maternal, neonatal and child health (MNCH) depend on robust data systems and strong intersectoral collaboration, experts observed during a webinar hosted by the Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) on Friday.
The speakers noted that despite ongoing efforts, high maternal and neonatal mortality rates persist due to delayed care-seeking, weak referral systems, a shortage of skilled healthcare workers and socio-cultural barriers that limit access to quality healthcare services.
The webinar, titled “Supporting Data-Driven Interventions in MNCH through Peer Learning and Collaboration,” featured expert-led sessions covering maternal healthcare utilisation, community-level determinants of maternal and neonatal mortality, integrated strategies for reducing maternal deaths, the role of family physicians, neonatal survival approaches and emerging challenges such as antimicrobial resistance affecting child survival.
Participants proposed strengthening emergency obstetric and newborn care, expanding skilled birth attendance, implementing maternal death surveillance and response (MPDSR) mechanisms, empowering family physicians and adopting integrated, evidence-based strategies to improve MNCH outcomes. The need for reliable data systems and sustained investment in maternal and child health services was also emphasised.
PHC Commissioner Prof Dr Mahmood Shoukat chaired the session, while Additional Director Monitoring, Evaluation and Quality Assurance PHC Dr Huma Rasheed moderated the programme.
Representatives from UNICEF, the Directorate General of Health Services Punjab and the Institute of Public Health also attended the webinar.
In his opening remarks, PHC Chief Executive Officer Dr Muhammad Saqib Aziz stressed that reliable data and intersectoral collaboration are essential to guide effective MNCH policies. He said high mortality rates indicate gaps in service delivery, access and quality of care, which can only be addressed through evidence-based planning and targeted investments. He highlighted Punjab’s progress in health system strengthening through data-led initiatives such as EPI, DHIS and digital reporting platforms, and outlined PHC’s regulatory role in integrating MNCH standards, training healthcare providers and introducing mortality self-reporting mechanisms. He also flagged concerns over rising non-medically indicated caesarean sections.
Vice-Chancellor Nishtar Medical University Prof Dr Mehnaz Khakwani highlighted the urgent need for data-driven maternal health interventions in South Punjab. She noted that although Pakistan’s maternal mortality ratio has declined from 276 to 155 per 100,000 live births, it remains unacceptably high. She underscored the importance of strengthening emergency obstetric care, improving antenatal coverage, expanding skilled birth attendance and implementing MPDSR.
Prof Dr Muhammad Tayyab emphasised the critical role of family physicians in reducing maternal mortality through early risk identification, continuity of care and timely referrals. He said most maternal deaths—caused by haemorrhage, hypertension, infection, unsafe abortion and delays in decision-making and care were preventable through structured antenatal assessments and adherence to clinical guidelines aligned with PHC standards.
Speaking on national maternal mortality reduction efforts, Prof Dr Robina Sohail said that despite progress, Pakistan remains off track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing maternal mortality to 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. She stressed the expansion of skilled birth attendance, strengthening emergency obstetric and newborn care services and implementing integrated, data-driven strategies.
Prof Dr Khawaja Ahmad Irfan Waheed,addressing newborn health, highlighted Pakistan’s high neonatal mortality rate of 38 deaths per 1,000 live births with neonatal deaths accounting for 65 per cent of under-five mortality.
He said most neonatal deaths occur within the first week of life and are preventable through timely, low-cost interventions, calling for accelerated progress, robust data systems and sustained investment to meet SDG targets.
Concluding the session, Prof Dr Mahmood Shoukat urged stakeholders to avoid duplicating efforts and to adopt broader, innovative thinking in view of rapid population growth. He reaffirmed PHC’s commitment to promoting knowledge exchange and data-driven healthcare governance.
Director Clinical Governance PHC Dr Mushtaq Ahmed thanked the speakers and participants.
The webinar also invited abstract submissions, encouraging healthcare professionals and researchers to share evidence-based insights for future scientific engagements.
