SOGP raises alarm over flood impact on pregnant women, newborns in Sindh

SOGP expresses concern over flood devastation, health risks for pregnant women

KARACHI: The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Pakistan (SOGP) has expressed deep concern over the widespread devastation caused by recent heavy rains and floods in rural Sindh and urban slums of Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur, and Nawabshah. Thousands of families have been left homeless as kutchi abadis and rural houses collapsed, forcing people to live in unhygienic and unsafe conditions.

Stagnant floodwater mixed with sewage has created a severe public health crisis. Clean drinking water is scarce, and poor communities face heightened risks of infectious diseases. According to SOGP, pregnant women and their newborns are among the most vulnerable. The society warns that the increasing spread of malaria, dengue fever, urinary tract infections, and food poisoning is directly linked to serious complications such as preterm labour, maternal deaths, and neonatal deaths.

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Advisories for pregnant women, newborns

SOGP has issued important health guidelines to help protect pregnant women, mothers, and babies in flood-affected areas:

• Pregnant women must drink clean water and keep their surroundings as hygienic as possible.
• Immediate medical consultation with family physicians or midwives is necessary in case of fever or food poisoning.
• Mothers and newborns should be protected from mosquito bites and unsafe drinking water.
• Exclusive breastfeeding is strongly recommended from birth until the child’s second birthday.
• Breastfeeding supports immunity, protects against infections, reduces allergy risks, and also lowers the mother’s risk of breast cancer.

Call for government action

SOGP has urged authorities to take urgent measures to prevent further health crises. The society recommends that:

• Pregnant women in rural areas should register at basic health units and rural health centres to access timely medical care.
• Newborns must be vaccinated at government hospitals to protect against preventable diseases.
• The government should prioritize draining stagnant floodwater and launch large-scale fumigation drives in kutchie abadies to stop the spread of malaria and dengue.

SOGP emphasized that unless immediate interventions are made, flood-affected communities will continue to suffer rising rates of maternal and neonatal deaths. The society reaffirmed its commitment to guiding and supporting women’s health during this crisis and called for collective responsibility to protect vulnerable populations.

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