Child nutrition issues and malnutrition are serious public health concerns that can have lasting impacts on the physical and cognitive development of children.
Abbott and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have joined forces to address child nutrition issues and raise awareness about malnutrition and stunting.
This can lead to developmental delays, decreased cognitive abilities and lower immunity, which can make children more susceptible to illnesses.
Child nutrition issues and malnutrition are serious public health concerns that can have lasting impacts on the physical and cognitive development of children. Malnutrition, specifically stunting, is defined as low height-for-age and it occurs when a child experiences chronic undernutrition during early childhood, when brain and body are developing.
Passengers on PIA domestic flights will receive materials on how to identify and address picky eating behaviour, as well as ideas for engaging children in the kitchen. Board games, colouring books, and puzzles will also be available to keep children entertained on board.
Children require nutritious foods for healthy growth and development, especially during their formative years.
When children are picky eaters for an extended period of time, they may not be able to obtain complete and balanced nutrition through a regular diet, which can lead to serious health issues such as malnutrition, immune deficiencies, decreased bone health, stunting, and decreased muscle mass, which can have lifelong consequences from poor health outcomes.
Because approximately 60% of adult height is achieved by the age of five, growth issues in the first five years may challenge a child’s development and limit future potential. Providing proper nutrition for children’s growth and development should be a top priority for parents and carers so that all children can grow and live to their full potential.
“We are thrilled to be collaborating with our national carrier, PIA, on this initiative to raise awareness about the importance of proper nutrition for childhood growth,” said Asim Shafiq, general manager of Abbott’s nutrition business in Pakistan and Iraq.
“Through PediaSure, Abbott has played a critical role in providing science-based milk supplements to children in Pakistan, which will help address nutrition gaps and foster healthy growth.”
“As the national airline, PIA believes it has an important role to play in protecting and nurturing our country’s future,” said Vice-Marshall Amir Hayat, PIA’s Chief Executive Officer. “As a result, we have decided to collaborate with global healthcare leader Abbott.”