Press Releases 2007
USAID Inaugurates Birthing Center In Khanewal
12/04/2007
Khanewal — A birthing center was inaugurated here today by Mary Skarie, Director, Health Office of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Pakistan. The center provides skilled delivery services to pregnant women and infant care to newborn children.
“The USAID, on behalf of the American people, is committed to helping the Government of Pakistan improve health conditions,” said Ms. Skarie. “This birthing center will provide the mothers and babies of Khanewal access to the care they need to ensure healthier pregnancies, births and lives.”
Funded by USAID and implemented by John Snow Incorporated (JSI) in partnership with the Government of Pakistan, the $49.9 million Pakistan Initiative for Mothers and Newborns (PAIMAN) project builds the capacity of existing health systems and fosters a community-based approach to ensure a continuum of care for mothers and newborns.
In Khanewal District, PAIMAN worked with the Pakistan Lions Youth Council to help organize the new birthing center and to hire a midwife for the underserved area. The Government of Pakistan provided the facility and medications and worked with the community to purchase an ambulance. The ambulance is especially designed for pregnant women and newborns – ensuring they can reach a hospital during an emergency.
Support for this project is part of the $1.5 billion in aid that the U.S. Government is providing to Pakistan over five years to improve economic growth, education, health and governance and to assist with earthquake reconstruction.