President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi said that malnutrition statistics in Pakistan are alarming as 29% children under the age of five years are underweight and 54% are anemic.

While addressing  the inaugural ceremony of National Nutrition Conference that gathered medical and health experts from across the country, the President said that malnutrition is present in every class because variety of eating is very narrow.

Dr. Arif Alvi said 50% children, having deficiency of Vitamin A and 63% lacking Vitamin D despite immense sunlight in the country which showed the need for change in lifestyles towards good health.

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The President said that malnutrition in children had a direct link with mother’s health and stressed that reverting to natural practices including breastfeeding, could overcome child mortality and stunted growth.

He said the main reason why Pakistan was facing this alarming health situation, was in fact ‘unlearning of natural lessons’ such as breastfeeding and choose the right kind of food.

He said instead of only focusing on news happenings and political debates, the media needed to focus on social issues as well and allocate a separate slot for it.

He urged upon the playwrights to create awareness on health issues through their characters and contribute to nation-building through positive ideas.

Dr Alvi said Pakistan was on a tipping point as if the nation worked with determination, nothing could stop it from becoming a healthy and wealthy country.