Micronutrient Initiative Pakistan, the World Bank, UNICEF, USAID and WHO have jointly launched a report in which they have claimed deficiency of micronutrient malnutrition as one of the major causes of deaths among children and women in Pakistan.

The report called “Investing in the Future: A united call to action on vitamin and mineral deficiencies”, was launched at an International Conference on “Recent Advances in Human Nutrition with Special Reference to Vulnerable Groups”, held at the National Institute of Food Sciences and Technology, Agriculture University Faisalabad, here Tuesday.



The representative of the international conference were of the view that life-saving and life enhancing recommendations set out in the report recognized the incredible benefits that an increased investment in micronutrient programming could bring.

The launch was heavily attended by representatives from the Ministry of Health, World Bank, UNICEF, USAID, WHO, the Micronutrient Initiative, NGOs/ INGOs, Academic and Research Institutions and Media. The participants claimed that the report drew attention to the urgent need for action from all levels of government, health and development agencies and the Pakistan community to demonstrate their commitment to children and women in the country by increasing investment in life-saving vitamins and minerals.

Addressing the occasion, Director General, National Institute of Food Sciences and Technology, Dr. Faqir Muhammad Anjum emphasized about the vital importance of vitamins and minerals in addressing micronutrient malnutrition. He said that the continued support and commitment of all partners including the government, food industry leaders and health & development agencies is needed for the control of micronutrient deficiencies in the country.

Dr. Baseer Khan Achakzai, Deputy Director General Nutrition said, “Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are having a profound effect on our country’s people, communities and the economy.” In his speech he appreciated the efforts of all partners in contributing towards the improved health status of the population and he assured that Ministry of Health (MoH) would make best use of this support.

Dr. Noor Ahmad Khan, Director, Micronutrient Initiative Pakistan said Iodine deficiency disorders were the most pressing micronutrient deficiencies facing Pakistan today. He was of the view that almost two-thirds of school-going children are iodine deficient, resulting in their Intelligence Quotient (IQ) scores being 13 IQ points lower as compared to children living without iodine deficiency. He stated that these disorders were entirely preventable.

“Other micronutrient deficiencies in Pakistan include iron-deficiency anemia in more than half of school-age children, leading to reduced learning capacity and poor school performance, and iron-deficiency anemia in almost a third of pregnant woman, putting them at greater risk of mortality during childbirth, he added. He said that vitamin A and zinc deficiencies were also considered as major nutritional and public health problems that affect millions of under five children and women of child bearing age in the country.

He said they were calling for commitment, coordination and planning for increased micronutrient programming– held together by strong and durable partnerships. “With the low cost of micronutrient interventions and the high returns, the benefit cost ratio of micronutrient programming is unmatched by any other large-scale health or economic intervention, he added.” He claimed that investment now would lead to huge return in healthier, happier and much more productive populations in the future.