In an effort to combat childhood stunting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif gave the relevant authorities instructions on Friday to begin a national initiative in collaboration with the provincial governments.
The prime minister, who was presiding over a meeting to address the problem of stunting in children, also demanded the creation of a comprehensive strategy for population welfare, disease prevention for children, and handling problems in the health sector.
A kid that is too short for their age due to chronic or repeated malnutrition is considered to be stunted, according to the World Health Organization. Stunting is a sign of disparities in human development as well as a risk factor for child mortality.
In order to ensure a bright future for the nation, PM Shehbaz stated that the federal government would prioritize steps for better child growth in coordination with the province governments. In a similar vein, he continued, a national awareness campaign was equally necessary to eradicate the problem of stunting.
He expressed his gratitude to the global specialists attending the conference, which included the World Bank’s presentation of data on children’s development.
The participants were informed that a sizable portion of Pakistani children experienced stunted growth as a result of inadequate access to basic nutrition and healthcare, tainted drinking water, unsanitary conditions, and a lack of knowledge about children’s growth.
In addition, data regarding the incidence of diabetes, hepatitis, tuberculosis, and other deadly illnesses in Pakistan were presented along with recommendations for addressing them.
The prime minister gave the pertinent authorities the order to submit a thorough plan on the issue right away.
The meeting was attended by a number of internationally renowned experts, including federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal and Ahad Khan Cheema, PM’s Coordinator Malik Mukhtar Ahmed, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Jahanzeb Khan, World Bank Country Director Najy Benhassine, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan Abdullah Fadil, and Country Director of the World Food Program Coco Ushiyama.
Using a video link, the provincial chief secretaries Drs. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutta, Sajid Sufi, and Ijaz Nabi, together with additional specialists, participated in the meeting.
