ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has recorded measurable improvements in key child and maternal health indicators between 2018–19 and 2024–25.
The findings, drawn from the Household Integrated Economic Survey (HIES) 2024–25 and compiled the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, show progress in immunization coverage, skilled birth attendance, and child survival rates, though disparities across regions and socio-economic groups remain significant.
Immunization coverage has improved modestly over the period, with record-based full immunization rising from 68 percent to 73 percent, and combined record and recall estimates increasing from 76 percent to 78 percent.
However, provincial gaps persist, with Punjab reporting 79 percent coverage compared to 66 percent in Sindh, 69 percent in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and 54 percent in Balochistan.
Child health trends present a mixed picture. The prevalence of diarrhea among children under five has increased from 6 percent to 10 percent, while consultation with healthcare practitioners has declined from 84 percent to 77 percent. At the same time, the use of oral rehydration salts (ORS) has improved from 53 percent to 60 percent, indicating some positive shifts in home-based treatment practices.
Mortality indicators show steady improvement. Infant mortality has declined from 57 to 47 deaths per 1,000 live births, while neonatal mortality has fallen from 41 to 35 per 1,000. Despite these gains, both indicators remain at levels that health experts consider high.
The analysis highlights maternal education as a critical factor in child survival. Infant mortality among children of mothers with no education stands at 72 per 1,000 live births, compared to just 11 among those whose mothers have higher education.
Maternal healthcare has also improved notably. The proportion of home deliveries has dropped from 30 percent to 16 percent, while skilled birth attendance has increased from 70 percent to 84 percent. More births are now taking place in health facilities, with doctors playing a leading role in delivery care.
Overall, the report describes Pakistan’s progress as meaningful but uneven, with improvements in key indicators offset by persistent inequalities linked to geography, access to healthcare, and maternal education.
