Pak Korea Nutrition Centre Inaugurated at UAF to Combat Malnutrition

In a significant development aimed at combating malnutrition in Pakistan, the Pak Korea Nutrition Centre (PKNC) was inaugurated at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). This initiative, backed by a substantial investment of Rs1.5 billion, is designed to tackle the pressing issue of malnutrition, particularly among mothers and children. The project is a collaborative effort between the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, reflecting a strong partnership between the two nations.

Korean Ambassador Park Ki Jun, who attended the inauguration alongside UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, emphasized the importance of this center in addressing malnutrition, which affects over 40 percent of the population in Pakistan. He described the establishment of the PKNC as a “hallmark step” that will not only improve nutrition but also strengthen the ties between Korea and Pakistan.

The PKNC is strategically located within the Faculty of Food Nutrition and Home Sciences at UAF and is set to operate over a three-year period. The funding breakdown includes Rs1.15 billion from KOICA, with the remaining funds sourced from HEC and the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP). This financial backing underscores the commitment of both countries to improve health outcomes in Pakistan.

Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan highlighted the center's potential to yield tangible results in the fight against malnutrition. He pointed out that malnutrition is a grave concern that requires a change in lifestyle and food habits among the population. The PKNC is also aligned with the Ehsaas Program, which aims to provide social protection and improve the living standards of the underprivileged.

Furthermore, the PKNC will train 12,000 nutrition education experts, lady health workers, nutritionists, and primary school teachers to enhance community nutrition. This initiative is expected to create a ripple effect, improving not just individual health but also the overall well-being of communities across Pakistan.

The center will focus on six key research areas: nutrition and public health, food fortification, food processing, product development and value addition, database and componential analysis, and policy and advocacy. This comprehensive approach is designed to address the multifaceted challenges of malnutrition effectively.

In addition to UAF, the PKNC will collaborate with various institutions across Pakistan, including Agricultural University Peshawar, Balochistan University of Medical and Health Sciences Quetta, Sindh Agricultural University Tandojam, and Karakoram International University Gilgit-Baltistan. This nationwide partnership aims to ensure that the benefits of the center reach all corners of the country.

The establishment of the Pak Korea Nutrition Centre at UAF marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan's efforts to combat malnutrition. With a focus on education, research, and community engagement, this initiative has the potential to transform the nutritional landscape of the country. As we look forward to the positive changes this center will bring, it is crucial for individuals and communities to actively participate in improving their health and nutrition, paving the way for a healthier future for all.