President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi said that malnutrition statistics in Pakistan are alarming as 29% children under the age of five years are underweight and 54% are anemic.
The President said while addressing the inaugural ceremony of National Nutrition Conference that malnutrition is present in every class because variety of eating is very narrow.
National Nutrition Conference held in Islamabad gathered medical and health experts from across the country.
Dr. Arif Alvi said 50% children, having deficiency of Vitamin A and 63% lacking Vitamin D despite immense sunlight in the country which showed the need for change in lifestyles towards good health.
He further said that malnutrition in children had a direct link with mother’s health and stressed that reverting to natural practices including breastfeeding, could overcome child mortality and stunted growth.
He stalked about the main reason why Pakistan was facing this alarming health situation, was in fact ‘unlearning of natural lessons’ such as breastfeeding and choose the right kind of food.
He urged upon the playwrights to create awareness on health issues through their characters and contribute to nation-building through positive ideas in Pakistan.
He informed Pakistan was on a tipping point as if the nation worked with determination, nothing could stop it from becoming a healthy and wealthy country.
Canadian High Commissioner Wendy Gilmour said while speaking on the occasion that we believe that addressing nutritional needs is part of our core development efforts.
She further said healthy children and women will ensure economic and human development.
She underscored the need for multi-sectoral approach to address the challenge of malnutrition and gender empowerment is key to address the issue of malnutrition in Pakistan.