Stunting and malnutrition have decreased between 2013 and 2018 by 6 and 9 percentage points,

respectively. Recognizing persistent nutrition challenges, a greater focus is being placed on these issues,
underpinned by the allocation of resources. The prevalence of skilled birth attendance has improved by
17 percentage points while the neonatal mortality rate has fallen by 10 percentage points during the
same period. The Lady Health Workers Programme, with its grassroots presence, has been instrumental
in achieving these improvements. A new universal health coverage initiative, the Sehat Sahulat
Programme, was launched in 2019 to provide health insurance coverage for those in need. Health sector
reforms are underway, entailing a centralized integrated disease surveillance system and a strong inter-
provincial information sharing mechanism. Improving access to, and the quality of, education is a key
national priority for Pakistan. Its focus is on improved school monitoring mechanisms, along with
targeted interventions for out-of-school children. While the female literacy remains low, rising gross
enrolment figures for girls’ education show that Pakistan is on track to eliminate gender disparities in
education. The results of promoting women’s empowerment through education are being felt in other
sectors, as women’s labour force participation increases, unemployment among young women
decreases, and a rising share of senior and middle management and professional positions are held by
women.