Malnutrition crisis in Pakistan: A socioeconomic time bomb

Pakistan is battling a faltering economy and persistent discontent among its citizens, but another critical problem remains a significant burden: malnutrition. According to Dawn, malnutrition has long been a major factor in the burden of disease in Pakistan, impacting maternal health, gender equality, child marriage and education.

Malnutrition poses a serious threat to society and the economy. Representatives from UNICEF, FAFEN and the Women's Parliamentary Caucus said that malnutrition costs Pakistan about 3% of its GDP. The country also has the second highest diabetes rate, underscoring the need for targeted interventions with child and family-related laws and gender-based social issues to bring about meaningful policy change.

Dawn's data shows that four in 10 children under five are stunted, 17.7% suffer from wasting, 28.9% are underweight and 9.5% are overweight. An IPC analysis found that 2.14 million children are acutely malnourished due to government apathy. What is now urgently needed is to prioritize hygiene practices, health care and food security and to educate women and children on hygiene and nutrition.

Addressing malnutrition indicators requires sustained financing and improvements in health services to bridge wealth gaps between rich and poor and between urban and rural areas. Dawn stresses that despite recent negotiations with the IMF, Pakistan's economic outlook will remain bleak if these systemic problems are not addressed.

(With contributions from agencies.)