ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Muhammad Baligh-ur-Rehman on Monday informed the Senate that the government has planned to start countrywide programme to address the issue of malnutrition and stunting.
Speaking on the motion moved by Senator Syed Shibli Faraz in the Upper House on impact of malnutrition and stunting, the minister said that the federal government has started various plans to protect the children from malnutrition.
He said that the stunting is a major issue, however, the government was trying to address this issue by reaching and addressing root causes. He added that mothers were being asked to avoid substitute milk and breastfeed their children.
He said that there was no substitute to mothermilk and the government will start an awareness drive to educate mothers in this regard. He said that counseling was a best way to protect future generation from malnutrition and stunting.
He said that this issue has various adverse impacts on society as every year Pakistan faces a loss of Rs 600 billion due to stunting. He said that supplements were being distributed besides creating awareness in public on the matter.
Senator Nuzhat Sadiq and Senator Farhat Ullah Babar also spoke on the motion.
