May 25, 2023 (MLN): The population of Sindh is expected to grow to 95.7 million by 2050, up from the current population of 56.3m in 2022, with an average annual growth rate of 2.41%, as per the findings shared by the federal ministry of planning and development and special initiatives (MoPD&SI).
3,000 maternal deaths occur annually due to insufficient health coverage, which can be reduced by 33% if contraceptive use rises from 31% to 49%.
Total fertility rate in Sindh is 3.6 and high fertility contributes to infant mortality and malnutrition.
As a result, 60 infants die before reaching one year of age (per 1000 live births) and 50% of children under the age of five are stunted in Sindh.
Currently, more than half of the girls at 51% (age 5-16), are out of school in Sindh, together with 39% of boys.
The Consultative Workshop on Voluntary National Survey and International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), was held on May 25 in Karachi by the MoPD&SI in collaboration with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The consultation was aimed to assess the progress made at the provincial level in the implementation of the ICPD Program of Action.
It also addressed ways to promote gender equality, reproductive health and rights, education and sustainable development.
The participants emphasized on the importance of sexuality education, healthcare and ending gender-based violence.
These diverse views and consensus on rights and dignity were praised by the UNFPA head of office in Sindh.
Participants engaged in fruitful discussions, sharing valuable insights, and reviewing the achievements, challenges, and opportunities related to the implementation of the ICPD Program of Action in Sindh Province.
Mr Qasim Soomro, Sindh Parliamentary Health Secretary, said that making population policy implementation a national priority and an overarching framework is important for Pakistan’s sustainable development.
Talking about the current state of Sindh's population UNFPA Head of Sindh office, Ms Bayramgul Garabayeva stated that a rapidly growing population means ever-increasing demands for food, schools, health facilities, jobs and infrastructure, and rising pressure on the government to keep pace in providing these services at an equally fast rate.
The collaboration with UNFPA has been instrumental in supporting the provincial government's efforts in this regard, providing technical assistance, expertise, and resources to ensure the effective implementation of the program.
The current domestic expenditure on family planning in Pakistan is insufficient to meet the population's growing demands.
The outcomes of the ICPD Progress Review Consultation will contribute to the formulation of evidence-based policies, strategies, and action plans for advancing the ICPD agenda in Sindh province.
The government of Sindh, in coordination with UNFPA, will work closely with all stakeholders in Sindh province to accelerate progress, address existing gaps, and drive positive change in the lives of the people of Sindh.
Copyright Mettis Link News
Posted on:2023-05-25T16:56:04+05:00
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