Nutrition Program Gilgit-Baltistan
Nutrition Program Gilgit-Baltistan was launched in 2018 with the vision/mission to eradicate malnutrition in GB with cost of 175 million Pakistani rupees; under which Nutrition officers and staff nurses were appointed, trained and fully equipped (anthropometry tools, furniture for offices etc).
Objective/Mandate
The objectives of the program are as under:
- To reduce the burden of chronic malnutrition in GB through sustainable, effective and inter-sectoral interventions.
- Reduce IMR, MMR
- Reduce chronic malnutrition (Stunting) under five, 10 percentage points (from an estimated 46.6% to 36% by the end of 2025
- Reduce acute malnutrition (Wasting) in children under 5 years from 9.4% to 3%
- Reduce iron-deficiency anaemia in children from 28.6% to 18.6% by the end of 2025
- Reduce Iron deficiency anaemia in pregnant women from 15.8% to 6.8% by the end of 2025 and improved maternal health& nutrition
- Ensure 100% iodized salt by 2025
- Reduce micronutrient deficiencies 10% each by 2025
- To prevent communicable and non-communicable diseases through mass awareness sessions
Functions
The functions of the program are as under:
- Collaboration and engagement with various stakeholders i.e education, Agriculture, WASH, fisheries, livestock, social safety nets (Malnutrition is multi sectoral approach
- Meetings with Civil Administration, LHWs & relevant stakeholders
- Imparting awareness on nutrition, health and hygiene in schools, communities and hospitals using following Interventions: Sessions, Demonstrations, Pamphlets/Posters, Social Media, Radio & Local Cable.
- Market surveillance to control substandard edible products
- Hospital OPD , anthropometry and awareness lectures for patients and attendants
- Identification of malnourish target groups of respective Tehsils
- Referral of severe acute malnourished (SAM) child to stabilization centers
- Work in emergency health situations
