Ending child stunting requires investment in women’s health, multi-sectoral action

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ISLAMABAD: Despite the overall limited progress, some parts of the country have shown significant benefits in reducing childhood stunts between 2011 and 2018, two major national and global studies published in the US Journal of Clinical Nutrition have revealed.

In parts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, amazing rates have dropped by an average of 1.6 % per year. Despite its delicate socio -economic indications, the country has shown minor benefits in linear growth in children under the age of five. Nevertheless, the stunting is dangerously high. According to the National Nutrition Survey 2018, 40.2 % of children under the age of five were surprised in Pakistan – it is one of the highest rates in South Asia, which only exceeded Afghanistan.

The study, headed by Prof. Zulfiqar A. Bhatta, Pakistan’s most important health specialist, has estimated the nutritional data of decades of children in low and middle -income countries, including Pakistan. Despite the limited information of the available dietary trends, the study shows that about 54 54 % of the measurement of age scores for children’s height can be explained by the risk factors-about 80 % of which is born out of the traditional health sector.

An analysis of mixed methods shows that most development is associated with maternity education, poverty reduction strategy, family planning, and wider investment in cleaning, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive, multilateral approach to deal with childhood stunts.

Professor Bhatta, who guides children’s health and development initiatives at AGA Khan University at the Institute for World Health and Development, and the Global Child Health Center for Global Child Health in Toronto (Canada) emphasized that stunting is not just a matter of fact.

“Our research confirms that only food or dietary supplements are needed to improve the results of children’s growth,” he said.

Influenced, in the past research, Professor Bhatta presented the Benzier Income Support Program as an important factor for improving nutrition results in women and expanding their children. Nevertheless, the new study notes that many high effects are less implemented or unequal interference. For example, maternity nutrition-especially less physical mass index and short tall stunts are a decisive decisive decisive, and many mothers in rural areas still lack access to pre-birth services.

Stunting’s brain growth, immunity and educational acquisition have irreversible effects, which often maintain interfaith racism of poverty and poor health. Professor Bhatta added, “Investing in reducing stunts is not just about children’s survival – they are about national development.”

The study also highlighted how short birth intervals, adolescent pregnancy, and poor maternity empowerment damage the nutrition of children in Pakistan. Access to modern contraceptive and family planning services is complicated despite being necessary to break the cycle of under -nutrition.

The research team used analysis of strict multi -verge regulation and blender oysaka decay in domestic survey data to identify the risk factors. In Pakistan, in Pakistan, children born in low education, low body mass index, and limited access to health care are likely to be significantly higher. The inequality of wealth was another powerful predecessor.

To achieve meaningful benefits, the study recommends that Pakistan adopt 10 steps implementing strategies, which include evidence -based planning, targeting backward populations, promoting women’s education and empowering and ensuring nutritional goals in all fields. Researchers also emphasize that smoke (water, sanitation and hygiene) interference, while countries are not effective globally, showing minor but meaningful benefits in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s progress, although limited, shows that positive change is possible when data is made on the basis of data and is implemented on a scale. However, the benefits are critical. Without allocating proven intervention and domestic funds for the completion of international aid, this study has warned Pakistan that there is a threat to stagnation or development.

Since the Global Nutrition Community is preparing for the next round of sustainable development goals, Professor Bhatta’s study offers a clear roadmap-and a reminder that the child’s stunt can be reduced, but only through political will and evidence that anchor.