Unmet need for family planning in Pakistan – PDHS 2006–2007: It’s time to re-examine déjà vu

The recent data on unmet need in the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2006–2007 shows a high unmet need for contraceptives, although family planning programs have been in place in this country since the late 1950s. The phenomenon presents a complex picture, as the contraceptive prevalence rate has remained almost unchanged over the last 10 years. To analyze this situation, a novel technique or a new lens would be required. This paper attempts to examine the problem at various levels: users, family, community, health system, other sectors, and the state. A multipronged and multisectoral approach is a prerequisite to institutionalize the family planning services all across the health sector. Studying health-seeking behaviors and conducting health systems research have the potential of delivering the desired recipe to address the high unmet need for family planning in Pakistan.