Malnutrition costs Pakistan $17 Billion annually, report reveals

A report by the non-governmental organization Nutrition International highlights that malnutrition is causing Pakistan an annual economic loss of $17 billion, amounting to 4.6% of the country's Gross National Income (GNI).

Millions of children, adolescent girls, and women in Pakistan are severely affected by malnutrition, particularly anemia.

According to Dr. Shabina Raza, Country Director of Nutrition International Pakistan, investing in nutrition is crucial to breaking the cycle of poverty.

The report reveals alarming statistics: 34% of children under five suffer from stunted growth, 22% of newborns have low birth weights, and 53% of children aged six months to 59 months are anemic.

These issues contribute to reduced cognitive abilities in children, higher school dropout rates, and decreased productivity.

The economic impact of stunted growth and mental underdevelopment among children is estimated to cost the economy $16 billion annually.

The Federal Ministry of Health emphasizes that using tools like the Cost of Inaction Tool indicates that meeting global nutrition targets could save 855,000 children from stunted growth each year.

The report warns that without timely intervention, the situation may worsen.

The World Health Organization's targets require a 40% reduction in stunting and mental developmental delays by 2025.

Currently, 53% of children under five and 41% of women of reproductive age in Pakistan suffer from anemia, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address malnutrition.