Sindh Chief Minister Leads Fight Against Malnutrition

The Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, reiterated his government's dedication to addressing malnutrition issues, particularly stunting, to secure a better future for children. Speaking at a workshop on 'multi-sectoral convergence strategy on stunting & malnutrition in Sindh,' the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in eradicating malnutrition.

Under his leadership, the Sindh government launched an Accelerated Action Plan in 2017, in partnership with the World Bank, to reduce stunting rates in the province. The initiative adopted a multi-sectoral approach involving sectors like livestock, fisheries, and agriculture to combat malnutrition effectively.

Despite facing challenges such as the devastating floods in 2022, which severely impacted various sectors including education and health, the government prioritized saving lives and providing shelter to affected individuals. The Chief Minister highlighted the direct link between poverty, income, and social protection with child stunting, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies.

The government has implemented programs like the '1000 Days' health project to ensure proper nutrition for pregnant and lactating women, aiming to prevent malnutrition in newborns. Additionally, a social protection strategy unit has been established, offering direct cash transfers to beneficiaries to address the root causes of malnutrition.

In conclusion, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of sectoral collaboration and resource convergence at the district level to accelerate the reduction of stunting rates. The workshop, attended by key stakeholders including the World Bank, highlighted the significance of collective efforts in combating malnutrition effectively.