177,000 Pakistani children die before they reach age of five

ISLAMABAD: Syed Fakhar Imam, Minister for National Food Security and Research, revealed that 177,000 children die before their fifth birthday due to malnutrition while speaking to participants of a workshop titled 'Addressing Zinc Deficiency through Biofortification of Zinc Wheat.' 

Micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent in Pakistan, and it significantly impacts children's immunity, growth, and mental development. Malnutrition results in the death of 177,000 Pakistani children each year before they reach the age of five.

HarvestPlus, Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH), and National Fortification Alliance hosted the workshop at the Ministry of National Health Services. Officials from numerous government institutions, civil society organisations, and UN agencies attended the event.

Syed Fakhar Imam stated that more than 50 million Pakistanis do not get enough zinc, which really is an essential micronutrient for human health. Further, he expressed that "Biofortification is progressing well in Pakistan and has great potential to help reduce zinc deficiency and stunting in the children of our country,"

According to Sanaullah Ghumman, General-Secretary, PANAH, malnutrition and nutritional variables lead to increased morbidity and mortality.