PAP, Jhpiego Honor Frontline Population, Health Workers From Rural Areas Of Sindh

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Nov, 2016 ) : The Population Association of Pakistan (PAP) and Jhpiego Monday organized an event to honor frontline population and health workers from rural areas of Sindh.

It was part of the 17th Annual Population Research Conference, an official of the Institute of business Administration (IBA), Karachi said. Dr. Farid Midhet, Country Director Jhpiego, in his welcome address gave a brief introduction of the organization and the projects it has executed thus far.

He also relayed the flow and objectives of the programme. Shahnaz Wazir Ali, President of Population Association of Pakistan (PAP) discussed the role PAP plays in highlighting and motivating the importance and usage of family planning in Pakistan.

She also talked about the role this event played in honoring field workers for their services in MNCH and FP sectors. The maternal mortality ratio in Sindh is one of the highest in the world at 314 maternal deaths per 100,000, which means that every year 2,000 women in Sindh die during childbirth and an estimated 46,000 newborns die in their first month of life.

Most maternal and newborn deaths can be prevented by timely and appropriate care by skilled providers. This provision is made possible by the relentless efforts of frontline workers who educate the community and create awareness amongst families about the importance of MNCH and FP services.

The event brought together around 150 frontline community workers, doctors, obstetricians, social scientists, development partners and representatives of the Government of Sindh. Three representatives from each type of Frontline Population and Health Workers (which included Lady Health Workers, Family Welfare Workers, Community Health Workers, KIRAN Workers, Community Midwives, and Marvi workers) also attended the event.

Their efforts were applauded by giving them shields as recognition. Shahnaz Wazir Ali, addressing the field workers said :"Your services are most appreciated. You have given the people of Pakistan hope and awareness to tackle their issues and we are all indebted to your services.

Celebrate your achievements and strive to save more mothers and children in your days to come. Dr. Farhana Shahid, Senior Technical and Program Advisor, Jhpiego, thanked the guests along with the frontline workers for attending the event to applaud the efforts put in by the Frontline Population and Health Workers in improving the quality and standards of health services provided in the province.