UNICEF`S latest report, identifying Pakistan as the riskiest place for newborns, is a heartbreaking indictment of this country`s indifference to our most defenceless citizens. One in 22 Pakistani babies will not survive her first month ie 46 out of every 1,000 will perish before even having had a chance at life. There are many tragic, senseless ways to die in this country and a long litany of dismal health trends but this one fact alone is a shock to the system. There is no cold comfort to be had here; no amount of boasting about economic development or military prowess that can sweep this ignominy under the rug. For, as the report highlights, although newborn survival is closely linked to a country`s income level, wealth inequality and wide variations in access to and quality of healthcare are also significant contributing factors. This explains why Pakistan, with a much higher per capita income than the Central African Republic and Afghanistan, has a newborn mortality rate comparable with the runners-up. Nor is it a coincidence that the 10 worst countries for newborns are conflict-ridden, and have weak institutions and a poor record of gender parity.

The report, released in conjunction with the launch of Unicef`s Every Child Alive campaign, outlines a road map for turning this tide. Given that over 80pc of deaths among newborns result from conditions and illnesses that are preventable or treatable, the first, most obvious step is to guarantee quality health facilities and skilled workers within reach of every woman and child. Access is not enough; although the proportion of Pakistani mothers who gave birth in a health facility or with a skilled attendant more than doubled between 2001-2013, the newborn mortality rate fell by less than a quarter. This is largely due to a healthcare industry with minimal oversight and poor quality of care, as well as a dysfunctional drug regulatory authority and shortages of lifesaving medicines. Commitment to providing functional, equipped and staffed health services must be prioritised, but it cannot end there -we must be accountable to women. Consider the frequency of reports of mothers seeking treatment only to be forced to give birth just outside a hospital. As the primary stakeholders in this venture, women must be empowered to exercise their rights and demand quality care, offered with respect. We are responsible for ensuring this, and the life of every child born on our soil.