KARACHI:
Pakistan has long struggled with malnutrition and stunting. It is affecting a large proportion of our younger generations who are the future builders of society. A burgeoning population, high levels of deprivation and illiteracy coupled with food shortages have intensified malnourishment and disease in impoverished regions of the country.
More than 1 million Pakistani children and women require access to healthcare and sanitation. Acute malnutrition is reaching critical levels in parts of Sindh and Balochistan. Pregnant women, mothers, and newborns in these areas already lacked proper nutrition and hygiene. The floods further increased their challenges. Consequently, many children are faced with risks of wasting and stunting.
Also, more than 250,000 preschool children do not get enough vitamin A. Poor nutrition and vitamin intake is also contributing to other health conditions including poor eyesight, physical impairments, etc. The federal and provincial healthcare departments need to address the issue urgently by improving access to healthcare in rural and remote areas of the country. In areas with high incidence of disease and malnutrition, medical teams should be sent to assist people with nutrition intake. People should also be provided with proper sanitation facilities to maintain good health and hygiene.
Muzeeba Shahzad
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, February 12th, 2023.
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