Despite progress in global neonatal mortality, South Asia continues to lag behind in reducing neonatal deaths. The Small Vulnerable Newborn (SVN) framework has been proposed to integrate pre-term birth, small for gestational age, and low birth weight. However, there is lack of data on the burden and risk factors of SVN in Pakistan, a country which has one of the highest neonatal deaths globally. This study aimed to estimate the incidence of SVN and identify risk factors among pregnant women in Pakistan. This secondary analysis leverages data from PRISMA (Pregnancy Risk Infant Surveillance, and Measurement Alliance)—Pakistan. Women presenting ≤20 weeks gestation and, with birth weights recorded within 72 h post-delivery were analyzed. Newborns were classified into categories of SVN. Multinomial and binomial regression models were used to examine associations between maternal characteristics and SVN categories, as well as neonatal mortality. This study adds to the growing body of evidence on Pakistan’s alarming burden of SVN, with every second newborn at risk. Identification and targeted interventions are imperative to mitigate adverse birth outcomes and optimize child growth and development.
