Enhancing Sexual and Reproductive Health in Underserved Areas

Importance of Sexual and Reproductive Health in Gilgit-Baltistan

Gilgit-Baltistan, a remote region in Pakistan, faces unique challenges in providing sexual and reproductive health services. The area’s rugged terrain and limited access to healthcare facilities contribute to high maternal mortality rates and inadequate family planning services. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that improving SRH can significantly reduce maternal and newborn mortality rates (WHO, 2023). Access to comprehensive healthcare, including family planning, is essential for empowering women, enhancing their quality of life, and promoting economic stability (Habib et al., 2017).

In this context, community pharmacists play a vital role in facilitating access to contraceptive methods and providing essential health advice. Their accessibility allows them to become the first point of contact for many women seeking information and services related to SRH (Monzer Baroudi et al., 2025). However, the knowledge gap among healthcare providers in these regions can hinder effective counseling and education regarding contraceptive use.

Community Needs and Gaps in Healthcare Access

The healthcare infrastructure in Gilgit-Baltistan is often under-resourced, leading to significant gaps in service delivery. Community needs assessments reveal that many areas lack basic health facilities, trained healthcare professionals, and essential medical supplies (Nakitanda et al., 2025). Women in these regions frequently report barriers to accessing healthcare, including cultural stigma, lack of transportation, and gender discrimination in seeking care (Zaid, n.d.).

Furthermore, many women are unaware of their reproductive rights and the available healthcare services. This lack of awareness contributes to misconceptions about family planning and reproductive health, perpetuating cycles of poverty and health disparities (Iqbal et al., 2025). Educational programs focusing on SRH can help bridge this gap by providing critical information about contraceptive options, maternal health, and disease prevention.

Key Factors Affecting Women’s Health and Family Planning

Several interrelated factors contribute to the challenges women face regarding SRH in underserved areas. These include:

Cultural and Social Norms: In many communities, traditional beliefs about gender roles can discourage women from seeking healthcare services. The perception that women should prioritize family duties over personal health can lead to delayed care and inadequate health-seeking behaviors (Zaid, n.d.).
Educational Barriers: Low literacy rates, especially among women, can hinder access to information about reproductive health services. A study in rural Pakistan indicated that only 39% of girls are literate compared to 68% of boys (Nakitanda et al., 2025). Comprehensive sex education in schools could address this disparity by equipping young people with the knowledge needed to make informed health decisions.
Economic Constraints: Many families in Gilgit-Baltistan and surrounding areas live below the poverty line, limiting their ability to afford healthcare services. Economic empowerment initiatives targeting women can help alleviate this constraint, allowing them to prioritize their health needs (Iqbal et al., 2025).
Healthcare Provider Training: There is often a lack of training for healthcare providers in SRH topics, which can limit their ability to offer accurate and relevant information. Community pharmacists, who are readily accessible, need training to effectively counsel women on contraceptive use and reproductive health options (Monzer Baroudi et al., 2025).

Role of Education and Awareness in Promoting SRH

Education and awareness are pivotal in improving SRH outcomes. Community-based health education programs can empower women by providing them with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. These programs should focus on various aspects, including:

Family Planning: Providing information about contraceptive options, their effectiveness, and how to access them is crucial. A study conducted in Qatar highlighted that nearly half of surveyed women used contraceptives, with significant reliance on pharmacists for information (Lari & Al-Rakeb, 2021). Training community pharmacists in this area can help ensure safe and effective contraceptive use.
Maternal Health: Education on prenatal and postnatal care can significantly reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. Initiatives that engage men in discussions about maternal health can also promote supportive behaviors among partners (Iqbal et al., 2025).
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Awareness campaigns about STIs and their prevention can help reduce infection rates and improve overall community health. Educational efforts should aim to destigmatize discussions around STIs and encourage safe sexual practices.

Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Services and Education

To enhance SRH in underserved areas, several strategies can be implemented:

Increase Accessibility of SRH Services: Expanding healthcare facilities and access points, including mobile health clinics, can help reach women in remote areas. Community health workers can play a crucial role in connecting women with necessary services (Iqbal et al., 2025).
Enhance Training for Healthcare Providers: Ongoing training for community pharmacists and healthcare workers in SRH topics can equip them with the necessary skills to provide accurate information and support to women seeking care.
Implement Community-Based Education Programs: Tailored educational programs that address local cultural norms and values can effectively engage communities and improve knowledge about SRH (Nakitanda et al., 2025).
Promote Gender Equality: Efforts to empower women through education, economic opportunities, and advocacy can help shift cultural perceptions and improve health outcomes. Engaging men in dialogues about gender roles and shared responsibilities can also facilitate this change (Zaid, n.d.).
Utilize Technology: Leveraging mobile health applications and telemedicine can enhance access to information and services, particularly in remote areas where traditional healthcare access is limited (Iqbal et al., 2025).

Conclusion

Improving sexual and reproductive health in underserved areas such as Gilgit-Baltistan is a multifaceted challenge that requires a comprehensive approach. By addressing cultural barriers, enhancing education, and improving healthcare access, we can empower women and promote healthier communities. Collaborative efforts among healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members are essential to achieving these goals.

References

Monzer Baroudi, H., et al. (2025). Development and validation of a contraceptive dispensing protocol for community pharmacists in Qatar: a Delphi study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12180325/
Habib, F., et al. (2017). The impact of family planning on women’s economic empowerment. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2024-002431
Nakitanda, A. O., et al. (2025). Factors associated with antibiotic use during pregnancy in Sweden: a population-based cohort study. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07736-4
Iqbal, A., et al. (2025). Hypertension in Bangladesh: women surpass men at younger ages than worldwide. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12180101/
Zaid, M. (n.d.). Cultural perceptions of women’s health in rural Pakistan. https://doi.org/10.1017/jme.2025.46
Lari, S. & Al-Rakeb, A. (2021). Sex-based comparison of the blood pressure, haemodynamic and cardiac autonomic adaptations following isometric exercise training in sedentary adults: a randomized controlled trial. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2024-002431