Consultation in Punjab Province stresses need for multi-sectoral action

On 5 August 2016, a provincial consultation on the implementation of the Punjab multi-sectoral nutrition strategy was held. Scaling Up Nutrition Civil Society Alliance Pakistan (SUNCSA,Pak) organised the event in collaboration with the Provincial SUN Unit and Micronutrient Initiative Pakistan.

Despite its significant contribution to Pakistan’s annual food grain production, Punjab Province faces considerable food insecurity, and consequently, malnutrition. It was revealed that 59.5 percent of households were facing food insecurity, 42 percent children under the age of five were stunted. Moreover, 34 percent children under five were found underweight, deficiency of Vitamin A in women and children at 41.8 and 51 percent, while 60.3 percent children were found severally anaemic.

Mr. Saleem Masih, SUN focal person Planning & Development Department Punjab, shared that the Government of Punjab is committed to address malnutrition in the province and will work with civil society and academia to implement the Punjab multi-sectoral nutrition strategy.

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