Tackling stunting

Taking notice of the serious issue of growing incidence of stunting among children in the country, the Council of Common Interests has approved a Rs350 billion scheme to tackle the problem mainly caused by malnutrition. The five-year programme will cover 30% population of the country, and under which 15 million women from the reproductive age group and 3.9 million children below the age of two years will be provided with nutrients. As malnourished women tend to give birth to weak children, the project is aimed at protecting both expectant mothers’ health and that of babies.

In the country, now 38% children are stunted. This figure for Sindh is depressingly high at 50%. The lack of proper food results not only in physical stunting, it affects the mental growth of children. The federal government will bear 50% of the cost of the project and the provinces the rest. Lady health workers and community health workers will work for the implementation of the programme. Over the years in the country, both stunting and obesity have increased simultaneously. The WHO estimates that 26% women and 19% men are overweight in Pakistan. However, officially 4% women and 1% men are recognised as obese. Stunting is caused due to an inadequate intake of food while obesity is the consequence of overeating. Some overload their stomachs so much that it makes them feel uncomfortable. Some are perpetually underfed.

Since the project of providing the disadvantaged segments of society with nutrients is to be allocated billions of rupees, the government should ensure that the money is utilised for the benefit of the deserving and is not pocketed by corrupt elements both in the government and those outside it. The underfed are crying out for adequate food and the government is responding positively. However, there are experienced and ‘wise’ people too in our midst who think they know what is good for poor children and women, and also have a very accurate perception of what is good for themselves.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 13^th, 2020.

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