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Lynxes in every city of Pakistan are reminders of the health crisis that is silently eroding the nation’s potential. Malnutrition, a persistent challenge that has hindered development, weakened immunity and impaired cognitive development, is costing Pakistan $17 billion annually, or 4.6 percent of its gross national income. Despite decades of efforts, undernutrition continues to affect millions of lives, hamper economic growth and threaten the country’s future.
According to a recent report by Nutrition International, the situation remains alarming, with 34 percent of children under 5 stunted, 22 percent of infants underweight and 53 percent of children aged 6 to 59 months. are in short supply. These statistics represent more than just numbers. They point to declining national output, increased school dropout rates and long-term knowledge deficits as impediments to human capital development.
Stunting alone causes an annual economic loss of $16 billion, accounting for 4.2 percent of the country’s GNI. With more than 10 million children affected and an additional two million new cases each year, the impact on the country’s future is staggering. The report estimates that stunting results in a loss of 21 million IQ points and 3.3 million school years annually.
“Pakistan ranks 18th globally and has the highest prevalence of stunting in South Asia,” the report said. Stunting mostly results from inadequate nutrition and frequent infections during the first 1,000 days of life. This condition, often irreversible, severely affects a child’s physical and cognitive development, ultimately affecting national productivity and economic growth.
Equally troubling is the burden of low birth weight. With 22 percent of infants affected, the country faces productivity losses estimated at $7.1 billion, or 1.9 percent of its GNI. About 1.4 million new cases of low birth weight are reported each year, putting these infants on the path to long-term developmental challenges.
Anemia, affecting 53 percent of children under five and 41 percent of adolescent girls and women of reproductive age, compounds the problem. The economic loss due to anemia is $3.1 billion annually. Iron deficiency, a leading cause of anemia, affects cognitive development in children and reduces productivity in adults. Additionally, maternal anemia increases the risk of complications during pregnancy, further burdening the health care system.
Despite modest improvements since 2012, Pakistan ranks second in South Asia for anemia in children and anemia in adolescent girls and women. is ranked fourth for “The current prevalence of anemia in children is a serious public health concern by WHO standards,” the report said. is.”
Stunting mostly results from inadequate nutrition and frequent infections during the first 1,000 days of life. This condition, often irreversible, severely affects a child’s physical and cognitive development, ultimately affecting national productivity and economic growth.
Public health expert Professor Zulfikar Bhatta has expressed concern over the results of the report. He fears that the full extent of the problem may be underestimated. “These figures do not capture the long-term generational effects of undernutrition. No nation in history has climbed the ladder of development with more than a third of children and women suffering from undernourishment, lack of learning and human capital. “Pakistan is no exception,” he warned.
Nutrition International Country Director Dr. Shabina Raza emphasizes that investing in nutrition is essential to break the cycle of poverty and promote economic growth. “Better nutrition not only drives economic growth, but also increases educational outcomes and lowers health care costs,” she says. “Nutrition is the foundation for a healthier, more prosperous future.”
For more than two decades, Nutrition International has partnered with federal and provincial governments to improve access to essential micronutrients, implement large-scale food fortification programs, and advocate for evidence-based policies. can be done “Our efforts have supported the integration of nutrition into development agendas and strengthened governance systems,” says Dr. Shabina.
The organization’s cost-effectiveness tool paints a promising picture of what could be achieved by meeting the World Health Assembly’s global nutrition targets for 2030.
According to Dr Mehreen Mujtaba, deputy director of nutrition at the Ministry of National Health Services, achieving these targets could prevent 855,000 stunting events annually, save 48,000 lives and generate $6.6 billion in economic benefits. .
“Treating anemia and promoting exclusive breastfeeding may have additional benefits,” says Dr Mehreen. “Optimal productivity and long-lasting positive results across generations will be critical.”
She commended the government’s commitment to advancing nutrition, expressing hope to showcase Pakistan’s progress at the 2025 Nutrition for Growth Summit. “Together, we can pave the way for a healthier, more prosperous and prosperous Pakistan,” she says.
Health experts agree that tackling malnutrition requires accelerated national efforts and international cooperation. Strengthening maternal and child health care services, ensuring safe childbirth practices and promoting iron and micronutrient supplementation have been highlighted as key strategies to address the crisis.
Public-private partnerships and increased investment in nutrition programs are also seen as essential to reverse the negative trend and secure long-term national growth. Achieving the WHA targets to reduce stunting, low birth weight and anemia by 2025 is challenging but achievable through strong policy implementation and community engagement.
“The staggering economic losses and human capital deficits described in the report are a wake-up call for policymakers,” says a senior health official. “Investing in nutrition isn’t just about saving lives, it’s about securing our nation’s future.”
The author is a staff member. He can be contacted at vaqargillani@gmail.com. He tweets at @waqargillani.
