Punjab govt reaffirms commitment to improving maternal and child healthcare

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th May, 2026) Punjab Minister for Health and Population Khawaja Imran Nazir has reaffirmed the Punjab government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare systems and improving access to quality maternal, newborn and child health services across the province.

He expressed these views while addressing a high-level Joint Government-UNICEF Pakistan Policy Dialogue on Maternal, Newborn, Child Health and Nutrition, convened by the Department of Health and Population, Government of Punjab, in collaboration with UNICEF Pakistan at a local hotel on Wednesday.

The minister emphasized the importance of evidence-based policymaking, stronger community outreach and integrated healthcare interventions to ensure that no mother or child is left behind.

The dialogue brought together senior government officials, development partners, academia, civil society representatives and health experts to review the latest evidence on maternal and child health outcomes in Punjab and discuss coordinated policy actions to accelerate progress for women and children across the province.

Addressing the participants, Chief Field Office Punjab UNICEF Pakistan Ramiz Behbudov highlighted the importance of sustained investments in maternal and child health and nutrition, particularly for underserved and vulnerable communities.

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He noted that Punjab had made encouraging progress in key health indicators, including immunisation coverage and antenatal care, but stressed that collective action and stronger partnerships remained essential to address persistent gaps in quality, equity and continuity of care.

The policy dialogue reviewed findings from the latest UNICEF-supported Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2025 and focused on strengthening the continuum of care for mothers and children, enhancing financing and accountability mechanisms, and integrating nutrition, WASH and digital innovations into health services.

Participants also discussed high-impact interventions aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, tackling malnutrition, improving service delivery in peri-urban and rural areas, and strengthening the role of frontline healthcare workers in promoting maternal and child wellbeing.

The dialogue concluded with a shared commitment to advancing collaborative action, strengthening provincial health systems and accelerating progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for mothers and children in Punjab.

Secretary Health and Population Department Nadia Saqib also attended the dialogue.