In a groundbreaking move, Pakistan’s Caretaker Health Minister, Dr. Jamal Nasir, has advised couples to consider a three-year gap between children for the better health of both mothers and newborns. This suggestion, made at a seminar on population welfare, is a welcome step towards improving maternal and child health outcomes in the country.
Dr. Nasir also shared his commitment to making the Population Welfare Department an example for others when it comes to maintaining smaller families. He revealed that he is working on a strict policy for the department’s employees, which would permit only those with no more than three children to work there.
This policy change is a bold and commendable step towards promoting family planning and reducing Pakistan’s high fertility rate. Having a three-year gap between children gives mothers time to fully recover from pregnancy and childbirth, and reduces the risk of complications in future pregnancies. It also allows parents to better provide for their children’s needs, both financially and emotionally.
In addition to his suggestions on family planning, Dr. Nasir also highlighted the government’s efforts to improve maternal and child healthcare. He announced that 43,000 Lady Health Workers (LHWs) have been promoted from grade 5 to 8, 1,700 Lady Health Supervisors (LHSs) have been promoted from grade 8 to 11, and graduate LHSs have been promoted to grade 14.
These promotions are a well-deserved recognition of the hard work and dedication of LHWs and LHSs, who play a vital role in providing healthcare services to mothers and children in rural and underserved communities.
Dr. Nasir’s suggestions and initiatives are a positive step towards improving maternal and child health in Pakistan. His focus on family planning and the promotion of LHWs and LHSs is particularly noteworthy. It is hoped that these measures will lead to a healthier and more prosperous future for Pakistani mothers and children.
How does a three-year gap between children help mothers and newborns?
According to source, having a three-year gap between children can have several benefits for both mothers and newborns. The mother’s body needs time to recover from the previous pregnancy, and a three-year gap can help ensure that the mother is healthy enough to carry another child. Additionally, a three-year gap can help reduce the risk of premature birth, which is a significant cause of infant mortality.
Moreover, a three-year gap can also help ensure that the mother has enough time to provide proper care for her newborn. Newborns require a lot of attention and care, and having another child too soon can make it difficult for the mother to provide adequate care for both children.
In summary, having a three-year gap between children can help ensure that the mother is healthy enough to carry another child, reduce the risk of premature birth, and provide adequate care for her newborn.
What are some other factors that can affect maternal and child health?
Several factors can affect maternal and child health. These include maternal undernutrition, maternal overnutrition/obesity, pre-existing medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, diabetes, and endometriosis, maternal stress and mental health, environmental exposures such as smoking, alcohol, and pollution, high blood pressure, unsafe abortion, obstructed labor, anemia, malaria, heart disease, and gender-based violence.
It is essential to address these factors to ensure the well-being of both mothers and newborns. The caretaker government’s initiatives to improve maternal and child healthcare in Pakistan are commendable. The promotion of Lady Health Workers (LHWs) and Lady Health Supervisors (LHSs) is a step in the right direction. It is also encouraging to see that the government is working on a strict policy for the employees of the Population Welfare Department to maintain smaller families
In conclusion, it is crucial to address the various factors that can affect maternal and child health to ensure that mothers and newborns receive adequate care.