Gates Foundation official says nutrition should be framed as a GDP statistic; WHO official says “no bigger risk than lack of action”.
Day 1 of the two-day international conference, ‘Act For Nutrition: The Emergency We Can No Longer Ignore’ — held at Islamabad’s Serena Hotel — concluded on Wednesday, with experts urging urgent action on Pakistan’s malnutrition and stunting crisis, with a focus on multisectoral interventions.
With more than 40 per cent of children under five stunted, a maternal mortality rate of 155 deaths per 100,000 live births, and malnutrition costing Pakistan upwards of $17 billion annually, the country stands at a crossroads: continue on the current trajectory and surrender an entire generation’s potential, or choose a different future.
The two-day conference is bringing together policymakers, international development leaders, health professionals and nutrition experts to confront the burgeoning crisis and build momentum for urgent, coordinated action.
The focus of discussions will be on moving the national conversation beyond statistics towards practical, measurable interventions that can improve nutrition outcomes and protect Pakistan’s human capital and future generations.
