Malnutrition negatively affects children’s ability to learn, and in Pakistan, 44% of children are malnourished according to a National Nutrition Survey (NNS). Of all provinces in Pakistan, Sindh has one of the highest percentages of stunted and under-nourished children.
In an effort to address this issue, USAID Deputy Mission Director Denise A. Herbol, Secretary of Health Dr. Fazlullah Pechuho and Secretary of Education Abdul Aziz Uqaili witnessed the signing of a partnership agreement between Blumont’s USAID-funded Sindh Community Mobilization Program (CMP) and the Health Department of the Government of Sindh. The effort will support nutrition-related activities for children ages five to nine in CMP schools across seven northern districts of Sindh and five towns in Karachi.
“Education plays a vital role in improving children’s health and nutrition,” said USAID Deputy Mission Director Ms. Herbol. “We believe a comprehensive strategy is required to address issues related to malnutrition, especially among affected children in Sindh.”
As part of the larger USAID-funded Sindh Basic Education Program (SBEP), and in partnership with the Sindh School Education Department, CMP is creating linkages between schools and health facilities to address issues of malnutrition. CMP also screens school children for malnutrition and raises awareness among parents regarding the benefits of improved nutrition.
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