This document summarizes reproductive health issues in Pakistan. It finds that maternal mortality ratios are 340 per 100,000 live births nationally but higher in hospitals (740) and communities (690-281). Prenatal mortality rates are also higher in hospitals (92) than communities (54-67). Domestic violence is commonly reported, with 35-34% of women in Punjab villages and Karachi reporting abuse, and 74% of men seeing it as a common problem. In conclusion, available data shows Pakistan's reproductive health status is poor and progress in improving men's and women's health has been limited.

1. Reproductive Health in Pakistan
Presented by:
Menal Hasan

2. Introduction
• Reproductive health and specifically women’s
reproductive health has been elevated in the
action agenda of Government and donor
agencies throughout the world in part through
the International Conferences on population
and Development in Cairo (1994) and the
Fourth World Conferences on Women in
Beijing (1995) and more recently through the
+5 conferences held in 1999 and 2000
respectively.

3. The reproductive focus areas of
reproductive health include
• Maternal mortality
• Prenatal mortality
• Abortion
• Family planning
• Reproductive tract infections including HIV/AIDS
• Adolescent reproductive health
• Violence against women
• Summery

4. Maternal Health Indicators
Maternal mortality Ratio per 100,000 live births
________________________________________________________
National 340
Hospital-based 740
Community-based 690 – 281
Hospital
1960 – 1969 899
1981 – 1990 710
1991 – 1999 883
Prenatal Mortality Rates per 1,000 births
Hospital 92
Community 54 – 67

5. Abortions
• There is no national level data for reproductive tract
infections or cancer among others.
• Even reports from multi-centre, nationally representative
hospital based surveys, as has been mentioned for
maternal and prenatal mortality, are lacking.
• Our understanding of the HIV/AIDS in Pakistan is limited
although current data are indicative of low prevalence of
HIV/AIDS.
• However, most seek care late suggestion that community
awareness of signs and symptoms of reproductive tract
cancers is low.

6. Domestic Violence
______________________________________________
Reported by Women
Punjab Villages 35%
Karachi 34%
Reported by Men
Common problem 74%
Physically abuse
Past year 28%
Ever 49%
______________________________________________

7. Summary
• In summary, the evidence present today on
the reproductive health status on Pakistani
men and women, although limited in scope
and quality, nevertheless is dismal and
tragically highlights the progress made in
improving the health of Pakistani men and
women in the past.