Pakistan Faces Malnutrition Crisis Amid Economic Struggles
Islamabad, Pakistan – As Pakistan’s economy continues to struggle, malnutrition remains a significant issue affecting the country’s health and socioeconomic status. According to Dawn, malnutrition has been a major factor in Pakistan’s disease burden for many years.
The opinion piece in Dawn highlights that malnutrition is a key determinant of maternal health, gender empowerment, child marriage, and education. It poses a severe threat to communities and the economy. Representatives from UNICEF, FAFEN, and the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus noted that malnutrition costs Pakistan about 3% of its GDP and that the country has the second-highest rate of diabetes patients.
They emphasized the need for targeted interventions in child- and family-related laws and gender-specific social issues to bring about meaningful policy changes. Data shows that four out of ten children under five years old are stunted, 17.7% suffer from wasting, 28.9% are underweight, and 9.5% are overweight. An IPC analysis revealed that 2.14 million children are acutely malnourished across Pakistan, a situation worsened by government apathy.
The article stresses the importance of focusing on hygiene practices, healthcare, and food security. Government-driven campaigns should educate women and children about sanitation, nutrition, and feeding habits. Consistent funding and healthcare system improvements are essential to reduce undernutrition and malnutrition indicators, bridging the gap between rich and poor communities, as well as rural and urban areas.
Earlier this month, the Pakistan government and the IMF staff concluded the ninth review of a USD 6.5 billion bailout package without reaching a staff-level agreement. The Pakistani government had hoped to implement the conditions gradually, but their hopes were dashed during the IMF mission’s 10-day visit to Pakistan.
Doubts Revealed
Malnutrition -: Malnutrition means not getting enough food or the right kind of food to stay healthy. It can make people very weak and sick.
GDP -: GDP stands for Gross Domestic Product. It is the total value of all goods and services produced in a country in a year.
Diabetes -: Diabetes is a disease where the body cannot control the sugar levels in the blood properly. It can make people very sick if not managed well.
UNICEF -: UNICEF is an organization that works to help children around the world. It stands for United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund.
FAFEN -: FAFEN stands for Free and Fair Election Network. It is a group that works to make sure elections are fair and also helps with other social issues.
Women’s Parliamentary Caucus -: The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus is a group of women lawmakers who work together to address issues affecting women and children.
Hygiene -: Hygiene means keeping things clean to stay healthy. It includes washing hands, brushing teeth, and keeping the environment clean.
Food Security -: Food security means having enough good food for everyone to eat. It is important for staying healthy and strong.