MOTHER & CHILD HEALTH RESEARCH & TRAINING CENTRE
Matiari District, situated approximately 25 kilometers away from Hyderabad, is home to over half a million people residing in 1,400 villages. The literacy rate in the district stands at 54 percent. The healthcare infrastructure in the district consists of three levels of care, including basic health units, rural health centers, and Taluka or sub-district headquarters hospitals. Unfortunately, more than half of the childbirths occur at home without skilled birth attendants, and the crude birth rate in the area is 25 live births per 1,000 population per year.
The Division of Women and Child Health and Community Health Sciences at Aga Khan University (AKU) has been actively involved in implementing a series of crucial community-based research projects in Matiari district for over 15 years. These projects have generated scientific evidence that has contributed to the improvement of health policies, service delivery, and infrastructure in the region.
The establishment of the Mother and Child Health Research and Training Center in Matiari marks a significant milestone as the first purpose-built research facility funded by United Energy Pakistan Limited under Aga Khan University's initiative. AKU's projects in Matiari and Hala have not only provided economic opportunities for the local population but also promoted women's empowerment and fostered community ownership for sustainable long-term development.
