BHURBAN: In a landmark move to address Pakistan's escalating maternal malnutrition crisis, health experts, government officials, and international organizations Tuesday urged the government to fulfill its commitments to maternal nutrition, align national guidelines with global standards, and prioritize the development of a comprehensive maternal nutrition package.
Nearly half of all women of reproductive age in Pakistan suffer from undernutrition, obesity, or micronutrient deficiencies.
This demand was articulated in the Bhurban Declaration, signed at the conclusion of the National Policy Dialogue on the Economic Case for Maternal Nutrition.
Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination organized the event in collaboration with Nutrition International (NI) at a local hotel.
The declaration highlighted the urgent need for the government to reverse these alarming trends by ensuring that every woman received the necessary nutrition, healthcare, and support vital to her well-being and the health of future generations.
Experts pointed to the National Nutrition Survey (NNS) 2018, which reveals that 14.4% of women are underweight, 24% are overweight, and 13.8% are obese. Additionally, 41.7% of women suffer from anemia, and 22.4% face Vitamin A deficiency.
These statistics underscore the need for comprehensive action to address the persistent cycle of malnutrition, which not only affects the health of mothers and children but also imposes a significant economic burden on the country through losses in human capital and productivity.
The Bhurban Declaration, endorsed by key stakeholders including the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination, provincial health departments, UNICEF, and WHO and Nutrition International (NI), outlines a strategic roadmap to confront these challenges directly.
“Malnutrition is not just a health issue; it’s a national economic concern, costing Pakistan billions each year in lost human capital and economic productivity,” stated Dr. Irfanullah Khan, Deputy Country Director of Nutrition International in Pakistan.
“The Bhurban Declaration serves as a key milestone in uniting efforts from all stakeholders and investment to enhance maternal nutrition in the country.”
Central to the declaration is a commitment to developing a unified maternal nutrition package that addresses the needs of women from pre-conception through postpartum care. Experts emphasized that preventive nutrition measures, such as early supplementation and dietary guidance, will be prioritized over curative approaches.
“The declaration also calls for aligning all maternal nutrition guidelines with global standards to ensure consistency and quality in interventions. Addressing the socio-economic and cultural barriers contributing to maternal malnutrition is also a priority. Programs to enhance food security, improve dietary diversity, and provide equitable access to healthcare are crucial,” highlighted one of the signatories.
The organizers also stressed the need to address factors like early marriage, childbearing, educational attainment, and women's participation in decision-making processes.
Intersectoral collaboration is a cornerstone of the Bhurban Declaration, which advocates for strengthening coordination among health, agriculture, social protection, and education sectors. This approach aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of maternal nutrition programs and foster a cohesive strategy to improve health outcomes for women and children.
The declaration underscores the importance of maternal nutrition during emergencies, advocating for robust preparedness and response mechanisms to support women’s nutritional needs in times of crisis. Ensuring the continuity of maternal nutrition services during pandemics and natural disasters is deemed essential for maintaining the health of women and their children.
Dr. Mehreen Mujtaba, Director of Nutrition/Climate Change & Health at the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination, emphasized the significance of the Bhurban Declaration, “This declaration represents a comprehensive, multi-sectoral commitment to prioritizing maternal nutrition, empowering women, and fostering a healthier future. It reflects the united effort of all key stakeholders to take concrete steps toward improving maternal well-being and creating lasting benefits for future generations.”
By setting ambitious, measurable goals for maternal nutrition, the Bhurban Declaration aligns with global health targets such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), World Health Assembly (WHA) targets, and commitments made at the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit.
The document calls on the Government of Pakistan to fulfill its pledges from the Tokyo 2021 N4G Summit and to set strong commitments for the upcoming 2025 Paris N4G Summit.
The eclaration marks a significant turning point in Pakistan's fight against maternal malnutrition.
By uniting various stakeholders and focusing on comprehensive, multi-sectoral interventions, the declaration aims to pave the way for a healthier future for mothers and their children, ensuring the well-being of generations to come.
