CONFLICT AND MATERNAL MORTALITY IN BALOCHISTAN

Abstract

War and health are correlated, and war creates abysmal health conditions because the provision of proper health facilities becomes very difficult in war-prone regions. In such situations, women and children are more affected than other segments of society are. In war situations, pregnant women often suffer because they need proper treatment and care, which they do not receive properly. Balochistan, a war-laden region, has also been treated like colonized by the Pakistani state rather than its federating unit. This inequality has led to very poor health conditions in Balochistan because of the conflict between Baloch separatists and the Pakistani government. In this study, researchers have attempted to understand the effects of war on health in general and maternal mortality, particularly in the province. In a 2019 report, the Maternal Mortality Survey of Pakistan revealed that the maternal mortality rate of Balochistan was 298 per 100,000 live births, which is higher than that of other federating units of Pakistan. Therefore, researchers have sought to understand the effects of war on increasing the rate of maternal mortality in Balochistan. This study was qualitative in nature and secondary data were through different sources such as research articles and books and newspapers. Those articles were selected which on war and health and maternal mortality especially focusing Balochistan. These qualitative data were analysed by using thematic analysis. The results of the study showed the there is significant relationship between conflict and maternal mortality. War effects the infrastructure such as roads, hospitals and other healthcare structures which directly or indirectly effect the increasing ratio of maternal mortality. Secondly, this study also showed that negligence of state also responsible for increasing the ratio of maternal mortal in Balochistan. The community as well as state despite conflict in Balochistan should provide maternal health services. Enough gynaecologists, paramedical states, emergency services and all necessary medicines should be provided at the hospitals in tehsil, district and divisional levels.