The recent National Nutrition Survey (NNS) has unveiled concerning statistics regarding the nutritional status of Pakistani women, revealing that over 41% suffer from anaemia and 22.4% are deficient in Vitamin A. These figures underscore the severity of the malnutrition and undernutrition crisis affecting the country’s female population, which demands immediate attention from health authorities and policymakers.
In addition to the alarming anaemia and Vitamin A deficiency rates, the survey highlighted that 4.4% of women are underweight, while 24% are overweight, and 13.8% are obese. These findings reflect a broader spectrum of nutritional issues, ranging from undernutrition to obesity, that Pakistani women face. Such conditions not only affect the health and well-being of women but also have profound implications for maternal and child health, contributing to a cycle of poor health outcomes across generations.
During the National Policy Dialogue on the Economic Case for Maternal Nutrition, held in Bhurban, stakeholders from various sectors, including the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, provincial health departments, UNICEF, WHO, and Nutrition International (NI), emphasized the critical need for the government to take decisive action. The event culminated in the Bhurban Declaration, which calls for the development of a comprehensive maternal nutrition package to address the country’s maternal malnutrition crisis.
The declaration stresses the importance of aligning national guidelines with global standards and prioritizing maternal nutrition in public health strategies. The experts at the event also pointed out underlying factors contributing to malnutrition, such as early marriage, early childbearing, limited educational attainment, and the lack of women’s participation in decision-making processes.
This call to action is crucial not only for improving the health of mothers and children but also for mitigating the broader economic impact of malnutrition. The persistent cycle of malnutrition contributes to significant losses in human capital and productivity, thereby imposing an economic burden on the country.
The Bhurban Declaration is a landmark step towards addressing these challenges, outlining a strategic roadmap to confront the nutritional deficiencies faced by Pakistani women. However, the success of this initiative will depend on the commitment and coordinated efforts of the government and all stakeholders involved to ensure that every woman receives the necessary nutrition, healthcare, and support crucial for her well-being and the health of future generations.
