Health, nutrition issues discussed

LAHORE
Experts in a consultative seminar on Friday said communities could not be strengthened unless their issues related to health and nutrition are resolved through multi-sectoral approach.
The seminar was arranged by the DFID funded project EVA-BHN (Empowerment Voice & Accountability by Better Health & Nutrition) regarding Formation of Provincial Advocacy Forum.
Dr Akhtar Rasheed EVA-BHN Punjab Manager gave a brief review of the project activities in Lahore, Sahiwal, Muzaffargarh, Layyah and Bhakkar districts and shared the progress of District Advocacy Forum.
He said one of the key barriers being addressed by EVA was the structural deficits of civic spaces for citizens to engage with the public officials to raise their demands and meaningful interaction for response oriented improvement in RMNCH services.
Mukhtar Ali, Commissioner RTI Punjab shared his comments on citizens’ engagement in improving accountability and policy formulation and its linkages with the Right to Information Act.
Ihtisham Akram senior policy and advocacy adviser shared that EVA-BHN was a citizen centric intervention to enable citizens for an active role in the governance of the health system through proactive engagement, creating demand for improved and efficient delivery for RMNCH services at Basic Health Unit.
The panellist included Salman Abid, Policy Analyst, Ali Bahadur Qazi Programme Director Policy & Strategic Planning Unit Punjab, MPA Shunila Ruth, representative minorities and Member of Provincial Assembly Saira Iftikhar participated as keynote speaker.
Director General Health Services Dr Zahid Pervaiz who chaired the meeting endorsed the formation of Provincial Advocacy Forum Punjab and said proposed consultative meeting was a first step towards this approach which was citizen centered in its objectives.