HARIPUR, Jan 15: The lack of awareness, illiteracy and self-imposed restrictions in the name of religion are the main reasons for 80pc maternity related deaths particularly in rural areas.

This was stated by District Naib Nazim Mohammad Riaz Khan Jadoon while speaking to the participants of the one-day workshop on “Safe Delivery” here on Wednesday. The workshop was arranged by Haripur-based Save the Children USA, NGO. Elected councilors, union Nazims, social workers, and medical professionals also attended the workshop.

Mr Jadoon while expressing dissatisfaction over the prevailing state of affairs of reproductive health in the rural areas, said that self-adopted shyness usually garbed in religion made a number of families to practice unnecessary restraint in seeking reproductive health related help leading to numerous complexities in this regard.

He said the delivery related deaths involving both mothers and newborns, were touching the mark of 80pc.

Underlining the need of awareness among the rural community regarding reproductive health and facilities Mr Jadoon asked the NGO workers, elected councillors to contribute their share so that the would be mothers and their newborns could be protected against the imminent threats to their lives.

He also stressed the need of right and meaningful spending of NGO funds in the focus areas so that the objective could be achieved.