Daily Times

The Punjab Food Department, the National Fortification Alliance (NFA) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) launched the Punjab Food Fortification Strategy 2018 on Wednesday to address high rates of micronutrient deficiencies in Punjab, Pakistan’s largest province.

This initiative was made possible by the generous contribution of the Australian government.

In Punjab, more than 39 percent of children under age five are stunted, 30 percent are underweight and 14 percent are wasted, according to the National Nutrition Survey 2011. The survey also indicates a high rate of micronutrient deficiencies among children, including anaemia 60 percent, iron 49 percent, zinc 38 percent, vitamin A 51 percent and vitamin D 67 percent – numbers that are internationally categorised as at emergency levels.

“Australia is supporting efforts to improve nutrition in Pakistan. We have committed an additional $11 million to WFP to 2020 for nutrition and humanitarian activities, on top of $6 million previously committed. Our partnership with WFP takes a policy and evidence-driven approach to improving nutrition programmes in Pakistan,” Australian High Commission Deputy Head of Mission Brek Batley said.

Food fortification is an established and economical way to reduce micronutrient deficiencies. Fortifying staple foods such as wheat flour, edible oil, ghee and salt with micronutrients is one of the leading ways to overcome deficiencies and improve the nutritional status of a population.

The government of Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation & Coordination (MNHSRC), the provincial governments and WFP are working together to reduce micronutrient deficiencies through the establishment of National and Provincial Fortification Alliances.

Food fortification efforts require strong collaboration between the public and private sectors as well as a regulatory environment where appropriate government legislation is enacted, allowing for the work of the Fortification Alliances to be effectively monitored and enforced.

Punjab Planning, Development, Agriculture & Food Minister Sardar Tanvir Ilyas and honourable chief guest, expressed appreciation for the efforts of all key stakeholders, reiterating that addressing the problem of malnutrition is and will remain at the top of the province’s political agenda.

Punjab Food Department Secretary Shaukat Ali, acknowledged the efforts and technical support of the key stakeholders in completing the strategy document. He also expressed gratitude to the Australian High Commission for its financial and technical support.

NFA Secretary Dr Baseer Achakzai said that the strategy provides an outline for developing detailed plans to implement comprehensive fortification initiatives. He stated that staple foods must be fortified with key micronutrients for adequate health and proper growth of the population.

Published in Daily Times, June 28^th 2018.