Pakistan expects five million births in 9 months since coronavirus

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has predicted that almost five million babies are expected to be born in Pakistan in nine months since the outbreak of COVID-19, while 29 million babies will be reported in South Asia.

According to a report released by UNICEF, nearly 116 million babies will be born across the world in the 40-week period between March 11 and December 16.

The report further said, “India is expected to report 20 million births, during this period, followed by Pakistan, Bangladesh (2.4 million) and Afghanistan (one million).”

UNICEF in its report warned that lockdown measures imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus could disrupt life-saving health services such as childbirth care, putting millions of pregnant mothers and their babies at great risk.

The report said, “The continuing rapid spread of COVID-19 across South Asia means new mothers and newborns will be greeted by harsh realities, including global containment measures, supply and equipment shortages, and a lack of sufficient skilled birth attendants.”

“UNICEF cautions that although evidence suggests that pregnant mothers are not more affected by Covid-19 than others, countries need to ensure they still have access to antenatal, delivery and post-natal services,” the report added.

The report said, “Likewise, sick newborns need emergency services as they are at high risk of death.” In this regard, UNICEF urged the countries to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the new children and pregnant women.  

The report also urged pregnant women to take precautionary measures by practicing social distancing, avoiding physical gatherings, and using online health services.