Sindh strengthens nutrition Initiatives with support from UNICEF, USAID

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that his government has reinforced its commitment to addressing malnutrition and stunting in the province with significant support from UNICEF and USAID.

The CM acknowledged the critical role of international partners in combating the challenges exacerbated by the devastating floods of 2022.

Murad Shah said that UNICEF has been instrumental in supporting the review and approval of the Breastfeeding Act, enhancing humanitarian and multisectoral coordination, and providing vital nutrition services in hard-to-reach areas. “Through outreach teams, UNICEF has facilitated the early detection and treatment of wasting (severe malnutrition) and addressed micronutrient deficiencies,” he said.

He added that UNICEF has provided Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) to the People’s Primary Healthcare Initiative (PPHI) and other civil society partners, significantly contributing to the fight against malnutrition in Sindh.

The chief minister also acknowledged USAID’s extensive support, particularly its provision of financial assistance to UNICEF for integrated health, nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and protection services.

It may be noted that USAID supplied 98,500 cartons of RUTF worth $4.4 million or Rs12.2 billion for malnourished children in Sindh.

The CM expressed gratitude to USAID and UNICEF for their continued partnership, which has been pivotal in addressing the health and nutrition needs of women and children in the province. He reiterated his commitment to tackling malnutrition through multisectoral initiatives, community engagement, and social protection programs, supported by substantial financial allocations in its annual development program.

Mr Shah praised UNICEF as a strategic partner across various sectors, including health, WASH, child protection, and education. He emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration to overcome the multiple challenges facing the province.

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Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal also recognized, particularly in advancing the province’s nutrition agenda through the enactment of the Breastfeeding (BMS) Act and the allocation of public funds for RUTF and Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS).