Call to make collective efforts to prevent malnutrition

LAHORE:The Scaling Up Nutrition Civil Society Alliance (SUNCSA) Pakistan made a collective pledge to eliminate hunger and reduce all forms of malnutrition in the country.

The Pakistan government, UN agencies, and CSOs have affirmed commitment to the 'Declaration of Commitments on Nutrition'. The alliance's reaffirmation to this commitment aligns with the constitutional right to an adequate standard of living, including food, as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Comprising over 250 Civil Society Organisations under the SUN Movement, SUNCSA Pakistan, in its Annual General Meeting, pledges to enhance Pakistan's nutritional well-being sustainably. By uniting as a robust, coordinated civil society constituency, the alliance advocates for continual progress in nutrition initiatives.

During the meeting, Chairperson of SUNCSA Pakistan Mubarak Ali Sarwar appreciated the government's commitment to improving the nutritional status of the people. He highlighted the recent launch of the 'National multi-sectoral nutrition' programme - Pakistan Nutrition Initiatives (PANI) as a significant initiative.

SUNCSA Pakistan pledged full commitment and support to PANI's objective of reducing stunting and other forms of malnutrition in the country. Chief Nutrition and Government Focal Point Pakistan, Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiative Dr Nazeer Ahmed emphasised the importance of recognising the role of civil society organisations (CSOs) in addressing the malnutrition challenge in Pakistan.

CSOs, deeply rooted in communities, possess immense potential to complement government efforts, strengthen and support nutrition interventions, and establish a responsive feedback loop between the government and communities.

Nutrition International's Country Director Dr Shabina Raza emphasised Pakistan's urgent need for collective action against malnutrition and hunger. Highlighting the country's staggering malnutrition rates, she urges collaboration among government, partners, civil society, and the private sector to pave the way for a healthier and more resilient Pakistan.

Dr Raza said that investing in these efforts is pivotal for Pakistan's development and recovery, urging all stakeholders to join this critical cause. The SUN CSA Pakistan strongly encourages the government and relevant stakeholders to take crucial measures, such as recognising food security and nutrition as fundamental rights in Pakistan's Constitution, implementing comprehensive multi-sectoral nutrition plans, allocating sufficient financial resources for nutrition interventions, and conducting nationwide nutrition awareness campaigns.

Further recommendations include integrating nutrition and food security into disaster response strategies, adjusting existing social safety net programs to be nutrition-sensitive, enacting provincial legislation for extended maternity and paternity leaves, and enforcing mandatory food fortification laws and food safety regulations. The alliance invites all stakeholders to join their mission to end hunger and malnutrition, emphasising the importance of prioritising nutrition for both present and future generations.