Fighting malnutrition: Political parties urged to take more responsibility to address malaise

Speakers say there are far-reaching consequences for socio-economic development of the country.

ISLAMABAD:

Malnutrition, a condition that has for decades plagued the masses of Pakistan, is receiving scant attention from the media, political parties and policy-makers who continue to ignore the malaise.

During a roundtable discussion at a local hotel on the ‘Role of Media in Highlighting Nutrition in Pre-Election Period’ on Monday, speakers lamented that none of the parties’ manifestos had addressed the issue of malnutrition, which has affected nearly half of all mothers and children in the country.

The discussion was organised by Development Partners for Nutrition (DPN).

According to DPN, more than 1.5 million children in Pakistan were currently suffering from acute malnutrition.

Save the Children's Senior Manager Advocacy and Campaigns Arshad Mahmood said it was high time that the issue received the coverage it warranted to raise awareness.

“We should look at nutrition as an investment and entry point to poverty reduction and socio-economic development. If prioritised, malnutrition can be overcome in a generation,” said UNICEF’s chief nutritionist Silvia Kaufmann.

She said political leaders needed to develop their awareness of the condition to devise effective strategies and programmes.

Around a quarter of the country’s babies were born underweight, half of the children suffered from chronic malnutrition while others who had micro-nutrient deficiencies experienced irreversible mental and physical impairments.

“Malnourished children have up to a nine times higher risk of mortality than healthy children, while the condition’s consequences can reduce GDP by up to four per cent,” she said.

Aga Khan University’s Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health Founding Director Professor Dr Zulfiqar Bhutta was shocked that the trends of underweight children and those who experienced stunted growth had remained stagnant since 1990.

He further said food insecurity and poverty are important drivers of childhood under nutrition especially stunting but maternal education and physique appears to be an important factor in its own right.

“Sadly maternal and child nutrition remains orphaned as a policy focus,” said Bhutta.

Intermedia Executive Director Adnan Rehmat said media groups focused only on political issues and ignored public health concerns.

Media group owners were not investing in their health reporters by providing them financial or logistical support to travel to far flung areas, or even training them on responsible coverage.

“Television channels and radio networks are the best tool to disseminate public health messages regarding balanced diets and protection from fatal diseases,” said Rehmat.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 23^rd, 2013.