44 percent of children under five stunted in Pakistan: World Bank report
The report said that the children ranging between five to 15 years of ages are facing height issues.
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Pakistan remains one of the lowest performers in the South Asia Region on human development indicators, especially in education and nutrition as forty-four percent children below age five are stunted.
According to World Bank survey report, Pakistan spends total three percent of gross domestic product (GDP) on health, nutrition, and education which is significantly lower than most other countries in South Asia.
The report said that the children ranging between five to 15 years of ages are facing height issues due to the extreme scarcity of nutrients including proteins, salts and vitamins essential for their mental and physical growth.
Taking action on this alarming situation, Chief Minister of Punjab (CM) Shehbaz Sharif has launched a food program in Southern areas at primary level to give the children milk and energy biscuits.
Pakistan Poultry Association has also offered to provide food based on chicken and eggs to the children. The authority said that healthy food can be given to the kids if government supports.
Talking on this issue, PPA chairman Dr Abdul Kareen Bhatti said that 150 students at University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Pattoki are being served with chicken and eggs on daily basis.
He said we can make our generation healthy and strong if we provide them protein rich food.
