KARACHI, May 17: Health education, with particular reference to “reproductive health”, was recommended for all segments of society to combat annual death of 30,000 women between the age of 14 and 45 years, besides high infant and maternal morbidity rates in Pakistan.

Health experts and social scientists at a book launching ceremony of “Batein Aurat Ki Sehat Ki” at the PMA House here on Friday cited relevant information as much needed requirement of the people, particularly in the backdrop of the fact that resource constraints enhance the need for preventive care.

Dr Asif Aslam, Unesco programme officer, Sindh, informed the gathering that South Asia, inhabited by a quarter of world population, registered half of all maternal deaths and that Pakistan was a country that witnessed three women deaths every 20 minutes.

He attributed the situation to the low status extended to women in the society where mothers were often treated as disposable items. Dr Aslam referred to his personal experience when people were seen keen to know about the situation and get information to adopt adequate interventions.

Dr Rehana Bilgrami cited correct information and proper service as a prerequisite to promote quality health among the women, mainly those belonging to the low social and income group.

Underscoring the fact that health information ensured health promotion, she referred to Sri Lanka where health education helped in reducing maternal and infant mortality/morbidity rates.—APP