Pakistan is facing the double burden of malnutrition among children under 5 years of age.
What is malnutrition?
Malnutrition, in all its forms, is a major impediment for child development. According to WHO, malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients.
The consequences of malnutrition
WE MUST ACT EARLY
Improving nutritional status of population through adequate food and nutritional awareness.
HOW GOVERNMENT IS ADDRESSING MALNUTRITION?
The government is addressing malnutrition challenges through various nutrition-specific interventions and approaches at national and provincial level supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets.
• Maternal Newborn and Child Health Program (MNCH)
• Integrated Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child Health and Nutrition Program (IRMNCH)
Read more: Nestlé Pakistan’s report Creating Shared Value: Nestlé trains 220,000 children
SUPPORT PROVIDED BY PRIVATE SECTOR
ROLE OF PRIVATE SECTOR:
a) Creating awareness in the community about nutritional issues
b) Community management of acute malnutrition
A comprehensive program which aims to raise nutrition and health knowledge and promote physical activity among school children
Investing in nutrition means a healthy nation, which improves productivity and economic growth.