At the launch of the Meeting for Nutrition in Sindh, the Sindh Human Rights Department announced its commitment to ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for vulnerable women, children, and marginalized communities. The department’s Director of Human Rights, Agha Fakhar Hussain, emphasized that providing nutrient-rich food is not merely a public health issue but a fundamental human right, intertwined with dignity, equality, and social justice. He noted that micronutrient deficiencies disproportionately affect these at-risk groups in remote areas of Sindh.
Hussain reiterated that access to safe and nutritious food is a basic human right. He acknowledged that while the Sindh government has progressed with the Food Fortification Act 2021, a key hurdle remains ensuring fortified foods are readily available, economically viable, and reach underserved populations.
The gathering brought together senior officials from various sectors, including government, industry, academia, and development organizations. Attendees included Badruddin Kakar of the Pakistan Flour Mills Association, Umar Rehan Shaikh of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association, and Zamir Haider from Nutrition International. Nutrition International team members Hafizullah, Muhammad Qawi Khan, and Moeen Qureshi were also present.
Other notable participants included several government officials such as Dr. Umar Mukhtar Tarar of Karachi, Dr. Ghufran Saeed of the University of Karachi, Dr. Zahid Hussain of the Sindh Food Department, Dr. Ahmed Ali Shaikh of the Sindh Food Authority, and Dr. Saqib Shaikh of Sindh Health Services.
These experts provided insights on the practical, regulatory, and research aspects of food fortification. They highlighted the importance of robust enforcement, industry buy-in, and evidence-backed policy implementation.