Collaborative Call to Action: Tackling Punjab’s Nutrition Crisis Together

In a significant move to combat the escalating nutrition challenges faced by vulnerable populations in Punjab, health experts have called for a multisectoral approach to address maternal, child, and adolescent nutrition issues. This urgent plea for action was made during a workshop organized by 'Save the Children' with the support of UNICEF, held in Lahore on Wednesday. The workshop gathered a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from government departments, UN agencies, media professionals, and social sector organizations, all focused on fostering collaboration and innovation to enhance nutritional outcomes across the province. This interdisciplinary approach recognizes that improving nutrition cannot be achieved in isolation; it requires the collective effort of various sectors working together to create sustainable solutions. Dr. Shiza Hameed, the National Nutrition Coordinator at Save the Children International, served as the event’s moderator and presented staggering statistics that paint a troubling picture of malnutrition in Punjab. "The province faces a triple burden of malnutrition: undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overnutrition, affecting women, children, and adolescents in South Punjab," she stated, underscoring the depth of the crisis. The National Nutrition Survey 2018 revealed that nearly 35 percent of children under five years old in Punjab are stunted, while over 16 percent are wasted, indicative of severe malnutrition. Alarmingly, more than half of these children suffer from anemia, and only a meager 14.2 percent meet the dietary diversity standards necessary for healthy growth and development. Furthermore, women of reproductive age are not spared from these challenges, with 41.7 percent being anemic and obesity rates climbing to 37.8 percent. Adolescents, particularly girls, also face significant health risks, with over 56 percent of adolescent girls being anemic and more than 10 percent of both genders being classified as overweight. During the discussions, key speakers, including Dr. Muhammad Mohsin Watto, Additional Director of Health Services, and Najma, a Nutrition Specialist from UNICEF, highlighted the critical role of media in shaping public understanding and behavior regarding nutrition. They urged media professionals to fight against misinformation, promote the importance of balanced diets, advocate for exclusive breastfeeding, and push for policy changes that will benefit those most affected by malnutrition. The workshop also featured panel discussions that outlined various strategies to confront malnutrition, including addressing stunting and wasting through targeted interventions, promoting micronutrient supplementation, and enhancing maternal and child nutrition programs. Participants shared successful examples of public-private partnerships and community initiatives that can serve as scalable models for broader implementation. Emphasizing the media’s potential to drive behavioral change, the event called on journalists to raise public awareness about the risks of malnutrition and the importance of preventive measures. By amplifying success stories, debunking myths, and holding stakeholders accountable, media outlets can play a pivotal role in shaping effective nutritional policies and programs. In closing, Muhammad Azam, the National Project Manager at Save the Children International, commended the participants for their dedication to addressing these pressing issues. He reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts across sectors, stating that such unity would lead to healthier families, more resilient communities, and a more productive Punjab. The workshop serves as a crucial step forward in galvanizing support and action to tackle the nutrition crisis that threatens the well-being of thousands in the province.