Over 0.5m women die every year in childbirth
KARACHI – Globally, over half a million women die every year during childbirth, and a large number are unable to prevent unwanted pregnancies face a higher risk of unsafe abortions, other complications and death.
Such an alarming state of affairs will be the focus of discussion at the National Health Sciences Research Symposium on ‘Reproductive Health – A Life Cycle Approach’ being organised by the Aga Khan University (AKU).
According to Dr Javed Rizvi, Chairman of National Symposium Committee, the inaugural session of the two-day symposium will get underway on September 29 (Monday) at the AKU.
Describing the maternal morbidity and mortality burden alarmingly high in Pakistan, the chief gynaecologist at the AKU said one of the 8th Millennium Development Goals approved by the world leaders was to reduce maternal mortality by 75 per cent by the year 2015.
“With the deadline just 11 years down the road, maternal mortality retains the disturbing distinction of being a major health indicator,” Dr Rizvi lamented. “We have to go a long way to contribute towards alleviating the maternal blues.”
Regarding the symposium, a panel of the AKU doctors, wised up the reporters that some reputed experts from Pakistan, India, Egypt, the Middle and Far East, Europe and USA would address a variety of issues.
The symposium will cover maternal mortality, reproductive behaviour of men and women, fertility regulation, maternal and infant health, reproductive health, emergency obstetric care, gynaecological cancers and family planning initiatives.
“The symposium will be followed by workshops for selected participants, providing upcoming investigators and healthcare practitioners hands-on experience in methodologies and techniques currently employed in reproductive health,” Dr Mehtab Karim added.
Ariff Bongso of National University of Singapore will deliberate on human embryonic stem cell research from ‘bench to bedside’ perspective whereas Zeba Sathar from Pakistan Population Council’s brainstorming presentation is regarding birth control strategies in an Islamic society.
Source: The News
Date:9/18/2004
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