Investing in Maternal Care: Health Officials Highlight Urgent Need for Better Nutrition​

Investing in Maternal Care: A National Call for Better Nutrition in Pakistan

Islamabad, April 2025 – Pakistani health officials have emphasized the critical importance of investing in maternal nutrition and care, citing it as the foundation for healthier future generations. The urgent call to action was made during a national seminar focused on “Maternal Nutrition and the Importance of Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) in Pakistan.”

Maternal Nutrition: A Public Health Priority

Mirza Nasruddin Mashhood Ahmed, Federal Special Secretary for Health, addressed the gathering, highlighting that proper nutrition during pregnancy not only benefits mothers but also significantly impacts the long-term health of children. He called maternal nutrition a national priority, urging both public and private stakeholders to take proactive steps to improve care systems for women across the country.

The Power of Public-Private Collaboration

The seminar brought together key voices in healthcare, including representatives from the Ministry of Health, provincial health departments, and development organizations. The Federal Secretary recognized the critical role of public-private partnerships in reaching nutritional goals. One of the major initiatives discussed was the expansion of Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) across maternal health programs nationwide.

MMS is known to address common deficiencies such as iron, folic acid, and other vital nutrients during pregnancy, helping reduce maternal mortality and promote healthy fetal development.

Junaid Family Foundation’s Role

The event was co-hosted with the support of the Junaid Family Foundation, a philanthropic organization working to improve maternal health outcomes in Pakistan. Through its investments in nutrition education and supplementation programs, the foundation is playing a key role in transforming maternal care.

Stakeholder Commitment Across Provinces

The event also featured provincial-level health experts who shared regional challenges and strategies for better implementation. From Balochistan to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, there was unanimous agreement on the need for consistent policy efforts, awareness campaigns, and increased funding for maternal nutrition services.

A Path Forward

As the country continues to tackle multiple public health challenges, investing in maternal health is now being recognized as a long-term investment in national development. Improving access to essential nutrients during pregnancy is a cost-effective strategy with wide-reaching benefits — from reducing infant mortality to enhancing cognitive development in children.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment from all attendees to scale up efforts, improve inter-sectoral coordination, and ensure that no mother in Pakistan is left behind when it comes to receiving the nutrition and care she deserves.