HEC is already investing Rs600 million for research and grants, but it has now decided to grant scholarships based on related thematic research proposals. PHOTO: FILE
The Planning Commission of Pakistan and Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) programme jointly organised a seminar titled ‘Establishment of SUN Academia and Research Network’ funded by Micronutrient Initiative (MI).
Government officials, NGOs and academicians brain-stormed during the event themed ‘engage, invest, inspire’.
Despite being an abundant food grower and exporter of variety of food items, Pakistan has been persistently ranked as one of the highest malnourished country with high levels of child mortality and related health complications. In order to tackle this issue worldwide, the United Nations initiated the SUN programme in 2011, to which Pakistan became a signatory in 2013.
As key note speaker, Federal Minister for Planning Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal informed the audience that Pakistan will be the first country to establish a joint and holistic management network in nutrition survey through this platform.
On the occasion, MI Country Director Dr Tusef Akhtar gave a presentation on key indicators of micronutrients setting out basic parameters of a nutritious diet plan.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Planning Commission Nutrition Chief and SUN focal person Aslam Shaheen said initially the SUN initiative had plans only to cooperate with four basic units such as donor agencies, food business owners, civil society and the UN. However, the planning commission has decided to include academia and government representatives as well.
Higher Education Commission (HEC) Research and Development Adviser Dr Tariq Mahmood stated that HEC is already investing Rs600 million for research and grants, but it has now decided to grant scholarships based on related thematic research proposals.
Pakistan has not been able to improve its nutrition indicators for last 30 to 40 years, said Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, pediatrics Professor, Dr Salma Sheikh.
Around 90 participants from across Pakistan participated in the programmme.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 16th, 2015.
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