Pakistan at risk of entering a state of acute malnutrition by March 2025: report

Pakistan is among the twelve countries that could face acute malnutrition and a shortage of life-saving ready-to-tse therapeutic food (RUTF) by the first quarter of next year, warned Unicef.

The report was released on International Food Day, stating nearly two million children across the world were suffering from severe wasting.

It added that Pakistan is on the list of 12 hardest-hit countries, including Mali, Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Pakistan, Sudan, Madagascar, South Sudan, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda could not buy the RUTF due to a shortage of funds.

According to the report, this year, only 262,000 severely wasted children in Pakistan received life-saving RUTF treatment.

“The current supply of RUTF in Pakistan is projected to end in March 2025, threatening ongoing treatment efforts,” the report added.

Unicef expressed the need to replenish the RUTF stocks as it is vital for the survival and recovery of severely malnourished children.

“Immediate action and sustained support are imperative to address this crisis effectively,” said Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan. 

“Ensuring a steady supply of RUTF and enhancing prevention and treatment programmes in high-risk areas will be crucial to mitigate the impact of severe wasting, save lives and safeguard the health and future of Pakistan’s youngest and most vulnerable population,” he added.

The organisation works under the UN demanded funds of $11.9 million and renewal of $165 million under No Time to Waste 2024 Update and Call of Urgent Action to deal with the potential crisis of malnutrition.