UNICEF Delegation Visits UAF
UNICEF Punjab delegation visits UAF
Published September 15, 2026 | 07:20 PM
FAISALABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 15th Sep, 2026) – A delegation of UNICEF Punjab, led by Chief of Nutrition Section, Madam Najma Ayub, visited the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) and held a meeting with UAF Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali. The meeting discussed the framework for cooperation in public health, maternal and child healthcare, girls’ education, nutrition, and community development.
A UAF spokesperson stated that the meeting was attended by Pak Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC) Central Project Director, Dr Moazzam Rafiq, and Director Home Sciences, Dr Benish Israr.
The discussions focused on partnership between PKNC-UAF and UNICEF, with a particular emphasis on complementary feeding, malnutrition prevention, and improved nutritional outcomes.
Madam Najma Ayub emphasized the significance of proper nutrition at the right time for child survival, health, and development. She highlighted the dire situation in Pakistan, where stunting and wasting are prevalent.
She expressed that the primary objective of the visit was to develop a structured collaborative framework enabling both institutions to undertake joint projects, especially in complementary feeding, public health, social development initiatives, maternal and child healthcare, girls’ education, and Girl Guide programs.
Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali affirmed UAF’s commitment to contributing its academic and research capabilities to initiatives aimed at improving public health and community well-being. He stated that collaboration with UNICEF would bolster efforts to combat malnutrition, enhance maternal and child healthcare services, and support girls’ education and Girl Guide programs.
Dr Moazzam Rafiq assured PKNC’s commitment to the proposed collaboration through its research facilities and technical expertise in nutrition, food fortification, and complementary feeding. He highlighted the center’s role in developing sustainable nutritional interventions and practical solutions to address malnutrition.
Dr Benish Israr noted that malnutrition is not merely a nutritional issue but a significant public health challenge impacting children’s physical growth, cognitive development, and long-term well-being. She added that addressing malnutrition requires an integrated approach involving nutrition education, maternal and child healthcare, food security, and community-based interventions.
