Two-day Conference On Malnutrition Concludes
ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Sep, 2026) A two-day international conference on malnutrition and stunting concluded here on Thursday, bringing together policymakers, health experts, economists, and development partners to discuss urgent measures to tackle Pakistan’s nutrition issue.
The conference was organized by Dawn Media Group under its ACT For Nutrition campaign, focusing on maternal and child nutrition and exploring practical solutions to address the country’s high levels of malnutrition and stunting.
Key Points:
- More than 40% of children under five in Pakistan suffer from stunting.
- Maternal mortality rate stands at 155 deaths per 100,000 live births.
- Malnutrition is estimated to cost Pakistan over $17 billion annually.
The two-day event examined the interconnected causes of malnutrition, including:
- Poverty
- Maternal nutrition
- Child feeding practices
- Governance
- Financing
- Climate vulnerability
- Chronic underinvestment
Speakers at the conference:
- Global humanitarian leaders
- International institutions
- Economists
- Clinicians
- Lawyers
- Frontline organizations
- Provincial governments
Key Takeaways:
- Investment in human beings is more important than infrastructure development.
- Population growth and resulting nutritional challenges are significant national issues.
- The first five years of a child’s life are crucial for mental development.
The conference concluded with a call to action for:
- Stronger multi-sectoral coordination
- Sustained investment
- Practical actions to improve maternal and child nutrition and reduce malnutrition and stunting across Pakistan.
Sessions covered:
- Provincial perspectives on nutrition
- Multi-sectoral action for nutrition
- The role of unsafe water and poor sanitation in child stunting
Speakers included:
- Dr. Saima Hamid, Programme and Research Lead at the Population Council
- Dr. Ali Mir, Country Director, Population Council
- Adnan Pasha Siddiqui, Advisor to the Minister of Finance
- Sara Shahzad, Senior Health Specialist at the World Bank
- Talib Lashari, Public Health Professional, Health Department Sindh
- Dr. Fazal Majeed, Director Nutrition, Directorate General Health Services, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Dr. Hana Mahmood, Director International Research Force
- Dr. Farhana Memon, Programme Director RMNCH
- Tehmina Gulzar, Deputy Director