Over 41% of Pakistani women suffer from anaemia, survey reveals

A National Nutrition Survey has revealed that over 41% of Pakistani women suffer from anaemia, and another 22.4% are deficient in Vitamin A, highlighting the malnutrition and undernutrition crisis affecting the country’s female population.

The survey also found that 4.4% of women are underweight, 24% are overweight, and 13.8% are obese.

Health authorities, government officials, and international organisations on Tuesday urged the government to fulfil its commitments to maternal nutrition, align national guidelines with global standards. 

They also called on the concerned departmets to prioritise the development of a comprehensive maternal nutrition package in a landmark move to address the country’s maternal malnutrition crisis.

Signed after the National Policy Dialogue on the Economic Case for Maternal Nutrition, this demand was articulated in the Bhurban Declaration.

Notably, the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination organised the event in collaboration with Nutrition International (NI) at a local hotel.

The malnutrition statistics from the National Nutrition Survey (NNS) 2018 were pointed out by the experts during the event. Moreover, factors like early marriage, childbearing, educational attainment, and women's participation in decision-making processes were also stressed and highlighted by the organisers.

Additionally, the declaration highlighted the urgent need for the government to reverse these alarming trends by ensuring that every woman receives the necessary nutrition, healthcare, and support vital to her well-being and the health of future generations.

These statistics emphasise the need for comprehensive action to address the persistent cycle of malnutrition, which not only affects the health of mothers and children but also imposes a significant economic burden on the country through losses in human capital and productivity.

The Bhurban Declaration, which was endorsed by key stakeholders including the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination, provincial health departments, UNICEF, and WHO and Nutrition International (NI), outlines a strategic roadmap to confront these challenges directly.