The World Food Programme (WFP) Country Director on Friday expressed her complete satisfaction over the implementation of its nutrition programme being carried out with the help of the local authorities, saying there were no reports of pilferage during food distribution among malnutrition women and children across the country.
“I am glad that there is no pilferage of food during distribution as it is reaching to the right women and children with the help of provincial and district government officials,” Country Director, WFP, Lola Castro said.
She, however, stressed for more support and training of the officials responsible for distribution of food among women and children.
Acknowledging the role of Lady Health Workers (LHWs), she said they are doing excellent job but they require more support and training.
She said that WFP team and local official frequently meet each other and make efforts that the food is provided to needy and right people.
She pointed out that more than two million children need supplementary food at the school level, adding, it is very difficult to reach each and every child aimed at providing them additional food.
The WFP official said that the Pakistan’s National Nutrition Survey was conducted by Aga Khan University’s Division of Women and Child Health, Pakistan’s Ministry of Health and UNICEF to provide relevant information for planning, implementation and monitoring appropriate population based interventions in Pakistan.
She said the major objective of survey was to assess the population nutritional status of women and children and other target groups and key micronutrient indicators. The survey indicated that stunting, wasting and micronutrient malnutrition are endemic in Pakistan.
These are caused by a combination of dietary deficiencies; poor maternal and child health and nutrition; a high burden of morbidity; and low micronutrient content in the soil, especially iodine and zinc.
Most of the micronutrients have profound effects on immunity, growth, and mental development, she added. The country director opined that exclusive breastfeeding in first six months of a child could protect him from a number of diseases.
She said those children who are under-weight and not breast-fed properly are registered and provided with supplementary food through provincial health officials in the high risk districts identified through the survey.
After giving supplementary food for three months, the provision of food is extended if a child fails to improve his or her weight, she added.
When asked about the security issues, she expressed complete confidence in the central and provincial governments for providing ample security to the WFP officials.
“We have very good support from both federal and provincial governments in getting No Objection Certificates (NOCs),” she said and added, “the community also support us as we bring food, education and training for every one.”
