World Health Day, celebrated on 7 April 2025, will kick off a year-long campaign on maternal and newborn health.  

The 2025-26 theme for World Health Day is ‘Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures, focusing on improving maternal and newborn health. It builds on momentum from the 78th World Health Assembly where governments resolved to accelerate progress on maternal, child and newborn mortality and improve survival, and includes the launch of new global maternal mortality estimates.

Maternal Mortality Rate

The MMR (maternal mortality rate) in low-income countries in 2023 was 346 per 100 000 live births versus 10 per 100 000 live births in high income countries. Women in low-income countries have a higher lifetime risk of death of maternal death. A woman’s lifetime risk of maternal death is the probability that a 15-year-old woman will eventually die from a maternal cause. In high income countries, this is 1 in 7933, versus 1 in 66 in low-income countries.

Causes of Newborn Mortality

Among neonates, the leading causes of death include premature birth, birth complications (birth asphyxia/trauma), neonatal infections and congenital anomalies, which collectively account for almost 4 in every 10 deaths in children under 5 years of age.

The Sustainable Development Goals and maternal mortality

In the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), countries have united behind the target to accelerate the decline of maternal mortality by 2030. SDG 3 includes an ambitious target: “reducing the global MMR to less than 70 per 100 000 births, with no country having a maternal mortality rate of more than twice the global average”.

As 2030 approaches, the end of the SDG era, now is the time to intensify coordinated efforts, and to mobilize and reinvigorate global, regional, national and community-level commitments to end preventable maternal mortality.

In Pakistan, there are 154 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births. This elevated maternal mortality rate is driven by socio-economic conditions, challenges in accessing healthcare in rural areas, and a lack of decision-making power, especially for young women.

What are the Risks of Poor Maternal Health?

Women die as a result of complications during and following pregnancy and childbirth. Most of these complications develop during pregnancy and most are preventable or treatable. The major complications that account for around 75% of all maternal deaths are:

• severe bleeding (mostly bleeding after childbirth)
• infections (usually after childbirth)
• high blood pressure during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia and eclampsia)
• complications from delivery
• unsafe abortion.  

Alkhidmat Response

Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan is deeply committed to enhancing maternal health across the country. Recognizing the critical need for accessible and quality healthcare services, especially for mothers and children, the foundation has implemented a comprehensive range of initiatives:​

Mother & Child Healthcare Centers (MCHCs): Alkhidmat has established 22 MCHCs nationwide, providing essential services such as outpatient and inpatient care, gynecology and obstetrics departments, pediatric wards, operation theaters, laboratory services, ultrasound, pharmacy, vaccination, and ambulance facilities. These centers are dedicated to supporting mothers before and after pregnancy, aiming to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates. ​

Mobile Health Units: To reach underserved and remote communities, Alkhidmat operates mobile health units equipped with diagnostic tools, laboratories, pharmacies, and medical staff. These units deliver essential medical services, including maternal care, directly to those in need, ensuring timely healthcare access and reducing preventable illnesses. ​

Islamic Microfinance Initiatives: Understanding the socio-economic factors affecting health, Alkhidmat's Islamic microfinance programs provide interest-free loans (Qarz-e-Hasna) to women, enabling them to start or expand small businesses. This financial support fosters economic independence, allowing women to better access healthcare services for themselves and their families. ​

Construction of Maternal and Child Hospitals: Alkhidmat is actively involved in building specialized hospitals to cater to maternal and child health needs. For instance, the construction of Alkhidmat Maternal and Child Hospital in Malakand is underway, aiming to provide dedicated healthcare services to mothers and children in the region. ​

Through these multifaceted efforts, Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan strives to address the challenges contributing to maternal health issues, working towards a healthier future for mothers and children across the nation.

In moments of medical emergencies, every second counts. Recognizing the urgent need for timely medical assistance, Alkhidmat Foundation proudly offers the Alkhidmat Ambulance Service – a life-saving initiative dedicated to ensuring rapid and safe patient transport.

Donors Contributions

The donors of Alkhidmat Foundation play a crucial role in making a significant difference to maternal and newborn health. Their contributions help in advancing the foundation's efforts to improve healthcare access, particularly for women and children in underserved communities.  Donors enable the foundation to build and support maternity clinics and healthcare centers, training midwives, nurses, necessary medical equipment, medicines, safe delivery kits, empowering women to make informed decisions regarding their health.

Global Impact

Through the generosity of donors, Alkhidmat Foundation has been able to expand its reach and provide essential services to countless women and children around the world. Their ongoing efforts are critical to achieving a world where no woman dies from preventable causes related to childbirth, and where every newborn has the chance to thrive.

Maternal and Child Healthcare in Gaza

Maternal and child mortality rates are often higher in conflict zones. Alkhidmat focuses on providing services like prenatal care, safe childbirth assistance, and postnatal care to reduce maternal and infant mortality.

​Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan has been actively supporting women and children in Gaza, particularly focusing on providing essential hygiene and medical kits to new mothers.

Preparing Hygiene Kits for Palestinian Families in Gazza

In May 2024, the Alkhidmat Women's Wing organized a three-day "Gaza Packing Drive" at the Alkhidmat Complex. This initiative involved over 1,500 volunteers, including students from various educational institutions, who assembled pregnancy kits, baby kits, and hygiene kits tailored to the specific needs of women and children affected by the conflict. These supplies were intended to convey solidarity and provide critical support to Palestinian women and children during challenging times.

Additionally, the foundation's "Rebuild Gaza" campaign, launched in 2024, focuses on long-term recovery efforts, including rebuilding homes, schools, mosques, and healthcare facilities, as well as providing support for orphans and clean water projects.

How Can I Help Alkhidmat Support Moms?

Spread awareness

Share information about the campaign using #HopefulFutures and #HealthForAll.

Participate

Attend our global events to learn more about what it will take to end maternal and newborn mortality.

Donate

Join the #OneWorldMovement and support WHO’s work to protect mothers and babies around the world.

Share personal experiences

Share your own experiences or stories of pregnancy and birth and thank those who provide quality care.

You can devote your, Sadaqah and donations to Alkhidmat and save vulnerable lives.

Donate today!