High Birth Rate, Migration Straining Sindh’s Resources: CM
APP
Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah expressed serious concerns about the growing pressure on the province’s limited resources due to high birth rates and significant migration.
He emphasized the impact on job availability, healthcare, education, housing, and food supply, which are increasingly strained by these factors.
The CM pointed out that the recent 2023 digital census revealed an alarming national population growth rate of 2.55 percent, with Pakistan’s total population now at 241 million. Sindh’s population has surpassed 55 million, creating substantial challenges in managing resources. However, officials suspect the census data may have underreported the actual numbers.
The meeting highlighted ongoing initiatives to address rapid population growth in Sindh, including the Child Marriage Restraint Act of 2013 and the recently approved Reproductive Health Rights Bill. These, alongside the Sindh Population Policy (2016), form part of the province’s strategy for tackling population issues.
Family Planning Initiatives
The task force has made significant progress in integrating stakeholders, including the FP2030 Working Group. The use of Community Midwives (CMWs) and refocusing Lady Health Workers (LHWs) on family planning services are key actions being implemented to enhance reproductive health across the province.
Youth Engagement Prioritized
A major focus of Sindh’s approach is engaging youth, adolescents, and girls through life skills education, with a strong emphasis on promoting positive social and gender norms. Efforts are also being made to engage males and community leaders in these initiatives.
To address service delivery challenges, the roadmap outlines plans to expand integrated health and population services through public-private partnerships (PPPs). Ensuring quality service delivery, skilled human resources, and necessary commodities is central to the success of this plan.
Support for Local Infrastructure
The roadmap includes plans to strengthen local systems by providing supportive supervision, enhancing evaluation mechanisms, and fostering multi-sectoral collaboration. This approach aims to ensure sustainability and meet the targets set for 2030.
The CM underscored the importance of improving public-private partnerships, including the accreditation of private facilities, enforcing family planning standards through the Sindh Healthcare Commission, and building new alliances with NGOs, donors, and development partners.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed the commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advancing family planning and population welfare initiatives.
He called for greater integration of health and population sectors at the district and facility levels to address the challenges posed by rapid population growth in Sindh.
