Karachi: A call for a unified approach to tackle malnutrition in Sindh was made at the Provincial Consultative Seminar on Nutrition, held in Karachi and organized by the Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) and the NARI Foundation. The event gathered policymakers, parliamentarians, and civil society members to discuss a coordinated strategy for food and nutritional security. Mr. Iqbal Detho, Chairperson of SHRC, highlighted the need for policy coherence and local leadership in embedding nutrition initiatives at the district level. He announced the pilot implementation of the Sindh Protection and Promotion of Breastfeeding and Young Child Nutrition Act 2023, starting in Sukkur.

Mr. Rajveer Singh Sodha, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Human Rights, endorsed the multi-sectoral strategies proposed by stakeholders. He emphasized that access to nutrition is a constitutional right and highlighted the need for targeted interventions in areas like Tharparkar. He assured that the seminar’s recommendations would be relayed to the Chief Minister for further action.

Discussions during the technical sessions involved panelists from various sectors, who pointed out challenges such as underfunding and weak implementation of legal frameworks. Mr. Kashif Siddiqui, a public health expert, noted gaps like the lack of clear rules under the Food Fortification Act 2021.

There was praise for existing initiatives, with calls for increased budgetary allocations and better inter-departmental coordination. Dr. Fozia Khan from the Education Department emphasized the inclusion of nutrition in the curriculum and the need for financial support for its implementation. Legislators Dr. Fouzia Hameed and Dr. Sham Sundar stressed the need for cross-sectoral accountability and institutional support for nutrition initiatives.

The seminar revisited key legislative measures, urging their complete implementation to address malnutrition in the province. Mr. Anwar Mahar, Executive Director of NARI Foundation, thanked the participants and affirmed the foundation’s commitment to advancing the nutrition and human rights agenda in Sindh.