The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has donated $1.2 million to strengthen maternal and newborn health services in Pakistan through a new two-year initiative with UNICEF.

The initiative aims to improve care for mothers and newborns before, during and after childbirth, while strengthening healthcare systems and addressing gaps in essential resources.

New initiative aims to reach 410,000 mothers and newborns

The programme is expected to reach 410,000 mothers and newborns across Pakistan over the next two years. It will focus on improving access to essential maternal and newborn health services and supporting frontline healthcare workers.

The initiative also aims to increase prenatal care coverage and institutional delivery rates by 50%, while improving the quality and availability of essential services.

UNICEF Pakistan representative Pernille Ironside said investment in sustainable and quality maternal and newborn care can help save lives.

Pakistan faces serious maternal and newborn health challenges

According to the Church’s Pakistan newsroom, more than 700 newborns die and around 500 babies are stillborn every day in Pakistan. The country also records approximately two maternal deaths every hour from pregnancy-related complications.

Across South Asia, 784,000 newborns die within their first month of life each year, while 597,000 babies are stillborn.

Gaps in referral systems, weak supply chains, malnutrition and unequal access to quality healthcare have added to the challenge.

Church and UNICEF expand long-standing partnership

Elder Kelly R. Johnson, president of the Church’s Asia Area, said the Church hopes to help thousands of mothers and newborns access lifesaving care.

The Church has worked with UNICEF since 2013 and has previously supported initiatives addressing maternal and child health, nutrition and immunisation.

In May 2026, it donated $25 million to UNICEF’s Child Nutrition Fund, supporting mothers and children in several countries.

The latest contribution continues the partnership, with a focus on bringing quality maternal and newborn care closer to families and communities.