Title: Interventional strategies to reduce infant mortality rate.

POPLINE Document Number: 108715

Author(s):

Abdul Karim A

Source citation:

In: Maternal and infant mortality policy and interventions: Report of an international workshop at the Aga Khan University, February 7-9, 1994. [Karachi, Pakistan], Aga Khan University, 1994. :137-39.

Abstract:

The Aga Khan Health Service (AKHS) is a non-profit organization which provides primary and curative health care in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Kenya, Tanzania, and Syria. The organization began working in Pakistan in 1924 with the establishment of the Jan Bai maternity home in Kharadhar, Karachi, followed by a maternal and child health center in the same area. These facilities were opened to address an urgent need for good quality maternal and child care in the area. AKHS now has five maternity homes, 212 health care outlets, and one medical center in Pakistan. The maternal and child health center is the basic unit of service, with the Lady Health Visitor (LHV) being the basic provider of service. The LHVs are supported by local health committees and supervised by a team of field directors and LHVs. Infant mortality in Karachi is 17 deaths/1000 live births, 42/1000 in the North, 48/1000 in Sindh and Punjab, and 63/1000 in Chitral. AKHS has offered immunization and growth monitoring in the attempt to reduce infant mortality. Breast feeding up to two years, early weaning, proper nutrition of children and mothers, oral rehydration therapy against diarrhea, personal hygiene, and child spacing are also promoted.

Keywords:

Pakistan
Summary Report
Programs
Infant Mortality
Asia, Southern
Asia
Developing Countries
Organization and Administration
Mortality
Population Dynamics
Demographic Factors
Population