An Academia and Research Network is launched to combat malnutrition in Pakistan

On 15th May 2015, an Academia and Research Network launched to help combat the issue of malnutrition in Pakistan. The Planning Commission of Pakistan jointly organised the seminar titled ‘Establishment of SUN Academia and Research Network’ with funding and support from the Micronutrient Initiative (MI). Participants at the event included Vice chancellors, senior faculty members and researchers from leading public and private sector universities and research institutes.

Photo source: The Daily Times Pakistan

Planning, Development and Reforms Minister Ahsan Iqbal also announced that the government would launch an initiative against malnutrition and under nutrition in the coming financial budget that would cover Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (FATA), Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. The Minister highlighted the benefits of healthy nutrition to the nation and pointed out that nutrition has been given a significance place in the development strategy of Pakistan.

Micronutrient Initiative’s Country Director Dr Tausif Akhter Janjua highlighted the importance of multi-spectral approach to fight the malnutrition and said that addressing malnutrition is the best investment Pakistan can make in its future.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Planning Commission Nutrition Chief and SUN Government Focal Point, 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.

Learn more at the Daily Times and the Express Tribune