Field Stories
Ten inspiring global nutrition stories
December 17, 2024
This formative research report examines how antenatal and postnatal care (ANC/PNC) services in Swabi District, Pakistan, can better meet the unique nutrition and health needs of pregnant and postpartum adolescent girls. Conducted under the IGNIT3 Project in partnership with the Government of Pakistan and the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the study explores healthcare providers’ knowledge and practices, adolescent girls’ experiences accessing care, the influence of family and gender norms, and opportunities to strengthen adolescent-friendly service delivery.
Findings highlight important gaps in adolescent-responsive care, including limited provider training, inconsistent counselling and nutrition support, restricted adolescent decision-making, and low uptake of postnatal care. The research also identifies promising approaches — such as group ANC/PNC models and stronger engagement with families and schools — to improve care-seeking, nutrition practices and pregnancy outcomes for adolescent girls in Pakistan.