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linics in every city in Pakistan carry reminders of a health crisis quietly draining the nation’s potential. Malnutrition, a persistent challenge that has stunted growth, compromised immunity and impaired cognitive development, is costing Pakistan an estimated $17 billion annually — or 4.6 percent of its Gross National Income. Despite decades of effort, under-nutrition continues to impact millions of lives, hindering economic growth and jeopardising the country’s future.
According to a recent report by Nutrition International, the situation remains grim, with 34 percent of children under five stunted, 22 per cent of newborns having low birth weight and 53 per cent of children aged 6-59 months suffering from anaemia. These statistics represent more than just numbers; they signify diminished national productivity, increased school dropouts and long-term cognitive deficits that hinder human capital development.
Stunting alone accounts for $16 billion in economic losses annually, causing a loss of 4.2 percent of the nation’s GNI. With over 10 million children affected and an additional two million new cases each year, the toll on the nation’s future is staggering. The report estimates that stunting results in a loss of 21 million IQ points and 3.3 million school years annually.
“Pakistan ranks 18th globally and has the highest prevalence of stunting in South Asia,” the report says. Stunting results mostly from inadequate nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life and repeated infections. This condition, often irreversible, severely impacts a child’s physical and cognitive development, ultimately affecting national productivity and economic progress.
The burden of low birth weight is equally alarming. With 22 percent of newborns affected, the country faces productivity losses estimated at $7.1 billion, or 1.9 per cent of its GNI. Approximately 1.4 million new cases of low birth weight are reported each year, setting these infants on a path of long-term developmental challenges.
Anaemia, affecting 53 percent of children under five and 41 per cent of adolescent girls and women of reproductive age, compounds the problem further. The economic loss due to anaemia stands at $3.1 billion annually. Iron deficiency, a leading cause of anaemia, affects cognitive development in children and reduces productivity in adults. Additionally, maternal anaemia increases the risk of complications during pregnancy, further burdening the healthcare system.
Despite marginal improvements since 2012, Pakistan ranks second in South Asia for anaemia in children and fourth for anaemia among adolescent girls and women. “The current prevalence of child anaemia remains a severe public health concern by WHO standards,” the report says.
Stunting results mostly from inadequate nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life and repeated infections. This condition, often irreversible, severely impacts a child’s physical and cognitive development, ultimately affecting national productivity and economic progress.
Public health expert Prof Zulfiqar Bhutta, has expressed concern over the report’s findings. He worries that the full extent of the problem may be underestimated. “These figures don’t capture the long-term generational impact of under-nutrition. No nation in history has climbed the development ladder with over a third of its children and women under-nourished, suffering from learning and human capital deficits. Pakistan is no exception,” he warned. “Ignoring this issue will jeopardise the country’s development plans.”
Dr Shabina Raza, country director of Nutrition International, emphasises that investing in nutrition is essential to breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering economic growth. “Improved nutrition not only drives economic growth but also enhances educational outcomes and reduces healthcare costs,” she says. “Nutrition is the foundation for a healthier, more prosperous future.”
Nutrition International has partnered with federal and provincial governments for over two decades to improve access to essential micronutrients, implement large-scale food fortification programs, and advocate for evidence-based policies. “Our efforts have supported the integration of nutrition into development agendas and strengthened governance systems,” Dr Shabina says.
The organisation’s Cost of Inaction tool paints a hopeful picture of what can be achieved by meeting the World Health Assembly’s global nutrition targets for 2030.
According to Dr Mehreen Mujtaba, deputy director of nutrition at the Ministry of National Health Services, achieving these targets could prevent 855,000 cases of stunting annually, save 48,000 lives and unlock $6.6 billion in economic gains.
“Addressing anaemia and promoting exclusive breastfeeding could unlock further benefits,” Dr Mehreen says. “Enhanced productivity and long-lasting positive outcomes across generations would be significant.”
She commends the government’s commitment to advancing nutrition, expressing optimism about showcasing Pakistan’s progress at the upcoming Nutrition for Growth Summit in 2025. “Together, we can pave the way for a healthier, more prosperous and thriving Pakistan,” she says.
Health experts agree that addressing under-nutrition requires intensified national efforts and international support. Strengthening maternal and child healthcare services, ensuring safe childbirth practices and promoting iron and micronutrient supplementation have been highlighted as key strategies to combat the crisis.
Public-private partnerships and increased investment in nutrition programmes are also deemed essential to reverse the negative trend and secure long-term national growth. Achieving the WHA’s targets to reduce stunting, low birth weight and anaemia by 2025 remains challenging but achievable through robust policy implementation and community engagement.
“The staggering economic losses and human capital deficits outlined in the report are a wake-up call for policymakers,” a senior health official says. “Investing in nutrition is not just about saving lives, it’s about securing the future of our nation.”
The author is a staff member. He can be reached at vaqargillanigmail.com. He tweets at waqargillani