ISLAMABAD: Dr Rana Hajjeh, new President and CEO of Population Council called on Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Malik, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Health in his office.
Dr. Soofia Yunus, DG-Population, MoNHSR&C, also joined the meeting. Dr. Rana was accompanied by Dr. Zeba Sathar, Country Director, Population Council and Dr. Ali Muhammad Mir, Senior Director Programs, Population Council.
Dr. Mukhtar congratulated on her appointment as President of the Council and appreciated the contribution of the Council in carrying forward the agenda of population in Pakistan.
He acknowledged the Council’s research work and compilation of variety of data for policy makers and other stakeholders.
Different matters of mutual interest were discussed, particularly the ways as to how the population programme can be advanced with universal coverage.
In this regard, Dr Mukhtar Bharath said that, inter alia, the services of Lady Health Workers (LHWs) for family planning across the country could create difference and help to achieve the target of population stabilization in the country.
He advised that mapping of Leady Health Workers’ coverage should be carried out at Union Council level, with the specifications as follows: number of LHWs in every Union Council; coverage of LHWs in terms of geographic area (% of the total area) and population (% of the total population); variety of health-related services being imparted by LHWs; and the time being spent and the services being given by LHWs for family planning.
Accordingly, the matter is to be taken up with the provinces and other quarters for hiring of additional LHWs for universal coverage and for their at least 50% of time for family planning. Population Council will carry out the mapping in collaboration with Population Programme Wing, MoNHSR&C.
Dr. Zeba Sathar, Country Director, apprised the coordinator of various initiatives of the Population Council in the field of population and development. Dr. Rana presented to the coordinator the report titled ‘Pakistan@2050 – Demographic Changes, Future Projections, and Development Opportunities’
The Population Council is a leading research organization dedicated to building an equitable and sustainable world that enhances the health and well-being of current and future generations.
They generate ideas, produce evidence, and design solutions to improve the lives of underserved populations around the world.
They conduct research and programs in more than 50 countries. Their New York headquarters supports a global network of offices in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Population Council Pakistan: The Population Council has been conducting operations research in Pakistan since 1957 and established a permanent office in Islamabad in 1991.
The Council’s work focuses on improving and expanding access to reproductive healthcare; advising government officials on best practices for improving policies; highlighting population issues; promoting capacity-building among healthcare facilities that offer family planning services; and providing research-based technical assistance.