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Karachi, November 03, 2015 (PPI-OT): Thousands of women and newborns die during pregnancy and childbirth each year in Pakistan. Identifying danger signs during pregnancy and the presence of skilled birth attendants during delivery could prevent many of these deaths.
“Maternal and newborn deaths can be prevented if women and their families have better knowledge of nutrition, immunization, and prenatal care,” said U.S. Consul General Brian Heath. “Identifying complications early saves lives,” said Mr. Heath.
That is why the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is launching two TV commercials and a communication toolkit and pictorial booklet to better inform mothers on pregnancy and childbirth, said the U.S. Consul General. The Centre for Communication Programs (CCP) and Jhpiego —affiliates of Johns Hopkins University in the United States — worked together with the Sindh Health and Population departments as part of USAID’s Maternal Child Health Program to achieve these aims, he said.
Sindh Health Minister Jam Mehtab Dahar expressed his appreciation to the U.S government. “USAID and its Maternal and Child Health program has been instrumental in improving maternal and child health services in Sindh,” he said.
Also attending the launch ceremony were Saleem Raza, secretary, Sindh Population and Welfare Department; Saeed Mangnejo, secretary, Sindh Health Department; Shuaib Khan, CCP party chief; and Farid Midhet, country director, Jhpiego; as well as representatives from USAID, international organizations and Sindh government officials.
For more information, contact:
Brian Asmus
Spokesperson
Consulate General of the United States of America
Plot No 3-5, TPX Area, Mai Kolachi Road,
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-35275000 Ext: 5242
Fax: +92-21-35275985
Cell: +92-302-8294015
Email: asmusbp@state.gov
Website: http://karachi.usconsulate.gov