Programme launched to boost nutrition among vulnerable groups

MANSEHRA: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department has launched a social behaviour change programme to promote dietary diversity and healthier eating habits through targeted awareness and community engagement efforts.

“This initiative aims to raise awareness, especially among women, about the importance of consuming a variety of nutritious foods to support both physical and mental well-being,” District Health Officer Dr Faisal Khanzada told the programme’s inaugural ceremony on Wednesday.

The event was followed by a walk and a sensitisation session attended by doctors, lady health workers, technicians from the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme and other officials from the health department.

Muhammad Waleed, the campaign’s focal person, and Inamur Rehman Yousufzai, a nutrition expert, also addressed the event.Dr Faisal said the campaign symbolised collective action and community commitment to improving dietary habits.

“A balanced diet is crucial for preventing malnutrition, boosting immunity, and ensuring overall health, especially for children, pregnant women, and other vulnerable populations,” hestressed.

He added that the initiative, launched with UNICEF’s support, included training healthcare practitioners across the district on the scientific and practical importance of dietary diversity.“The programme is also designed to equip frontline workers with the tools needed to educate and guide families on how to make informed food choices using locally available and affordable resources,” Dr Faisal noted.Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Waleed said the campaign was focused on changing behaviours, which sometimes takes time.“But with consistent messaging, community involvement, and the right support, we can make dietary diversity a norm in every household,” he said.