KARACHI:Sindh Health Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Program for Improved Nutrition in Sindh Nutrition Sensitive Component (PINS-2), led by Action Against Hunger (ACF), a global leader against malnutrition. The signing ceremony was graced by Provincial Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, Additional Chief Secretary Health Dr Muhammad Usman Chachar and Country Director ACF in Pakistan, Jennifer Ankrom-Khan.
Speaking about severe acute malnutrition in Sindh, Additional Chief Secretary Health, Dr Muhammad Usman Chachar said: “Malnutrition is a serious issue with the children who are prone to get more diseases. It effects their mental and physical growth. PINS-2 in coordination with the Government of Sindh and AAP is not just providing the solution to the health issue but also working towards bringing change to behavior of the communities towards feeding their children.”
Country Director of ACF in Pakistan, Jennifer Ankrom-Khan said: “I would like to appreciate the Department of Health and Government of Sindh for working in partnership with the civil society for fighting malnutrition. Malnutrition comes from a combination of issues like unavailability of clean water and fresh food and affects children and women the most. So, if we start working with mothers today, it will take three generations to address malnutrition.”
Supported by the European Union in Pakistan, the Program for Improved Nutrition in Sindh – Nutrition Specific Component (PINS-2) is a multi-year initiative that will support implementation of the Accelerated Action Plan (AAP) launched by the Government of Sindh in 2017. PINS-2 aims to sustainably improve the nutritional status of 1.7 million children under five years of age (U5) as well as pregnant and lactating women (PLW) in 359 Union Councils of 10 districts of Sindh. Focused districts include Thatta, Sujawal, Matiari, Tando Mohammad Khan, Tando Allah Yar, Dadu, Jamshoro, Kambar Shahdadkot, Larkana and Shikarpur.
The Programme will provide 100% coverage to treatment of children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in these 10 districts by establishing 359 outpatients therapeutic program (OTPs) sites and 10 nutrition stabilization centers. Furthermore, the program will provide community based outreach services for screening of malnourished children, provision of nutrition supplements, referrals and follow-ups for the treatment of children and women. PINS-2 also aims to engage with communities and media to promote breast-feeding and complementary feeding and to improve hygiene and dietary practices.