Pakistan’s need for nutrition is urgent, driven by high rates of stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies in children and women, which negatively impact health, cognitive development, and economic productivity. The country faces a “double burden of malnutrition” with both undernutrition and rising overweight/obesity rates. Addressing this complex issue requires improving maternal and child diets, increasing access to safe and nutritious foods, and implementing multi-sectoral programs for food fortification and nutrition education.
Key Indicators and Impacts
High Prevalence of Undernutrition:
Pakistan has millions of children suffering from stunting (low height for age) and wasting (low weight for height).
Micronutrient Deficiencies: More than half of women and children lack essential micronutrients like iron and vitamin A, which compromises their immunity, growth, and cognitive development.
Double Burden of Malnutrition:
The country sees a simultaneous rise in overweight and obesity among children, linked to diets high in energy but low in essential nutrients and coupled with low physical activity.
Economic Impact:
Malnutrition costs Pakistan about 3% of its GDP annually, hindering socioeconomic development and compromising the nation’s human capital.
Factors Contributing to the Problem
Poor Maternal Nutrition:
Inadequate nutrition during pregnancy contributes significantly to stunting in children.
Dietary Gaps:
Many children do not consume the right types and quantities of food.
Food Insecurity:
Millions of people in Pakistan are not receiving proper nourishment.
Low Rates of Exclusive Breastfeeding:
Only a small percentage of infants are exclusively breastfed for the first six months, which is crucial for their early nutrition.
Urgent Need for Action
Improve Maternal and Child Nutrition:
Interventions targeting mothers and young children are vital at critical stages of the life cycle.
Increase Access to Nutritious Foods:
Strategies include working with businesses to increase the production and supply of safe, healthy, and nutritious foods.
Promote Nutrition Education:
Educating the public about healthy diets is essential to promote health and change behavior.
Implement Food Fortification:
Programs that add essential micronutrients to staple foods help combat deficiencies.
Strengthen Multi-Sectoral Programs:
Addressing malnutrition requires comprehensive policies and programs that involve various sectors.
Emmanuel Church is very concern about health and nutrition education, having great burden to provide health and nutrition facilities at the door steps in Schools as well as homes.