startling lessons

i learnt a couple of new things regarding Punjab (Pakistan) while I was there...

There is a potential of 15 Billion dollars worth of trade between Pakistan and China. Currently the trade dollars amount to 5 Billion dollars only.

The economy has been growing at a steady rate of 8 to 9% anually for the last 5 years.

Poverty reduction has been reduced by 15% for the last 5 years and will reach the Millenium Development Goals by 2013, and by 2015 the poverty rate would be reduced to a single percentage digit.

Some startling facts:

85% of solid wastes in Punjab is not disposed of properly

Only 58% of Punjab have proper toilet facilities. And in some cases the toilets are used to store grain like wheat as there is poor irrigation and drainage facilities, and most of these toilets have no access to water and are too dry to be used, except as a handy storage area.

48% of hospital patients are treated for waterborne diseases

Only 48% of Punjab residents wash their hands before eating.

Only 58% wash their hands after using the lavatory.

And most shocking:

85% of baby deliveries/births are conducted by un-trained mid-wives.

Maternal Mortality is very very high in Pakistan. 1 in 120 women are victims of Maternal Mortality.

And...

Untrained midwives have been known to inject women with an injection meant for cattle to induce delivery. Obviously the injection is not suitable, and often is too strong causing the uterus to rupture almost immediately.

the next time you call a woman a fat cow...think about it a little.