Infant mortality cases rise in Pakistan

Islamabad, March 31 (IANS) Pakistan has seen a steady increase in the number of deaths of infants less than a year old, according to a report by a non-governmental organisation.

In December last year, an average of 56 infants died in each of 36 districts. An average of 51 infants had died in November, the Daily Times said, citing a report by the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).

The survey was based on reported cases of diseases at government health offices in 79 districts. Of the monitored districts, 36 reported cases of infant mortality.

The maximum number of cases were reported in Sahiwal (225), followed by Gujrat (157) and Faisalabad (136).

A total of 51 children died before attaining the age of five while 124 mothers died due to pregnancy and delivery-related complications.