KARACHI: Thanking USAID and UNICEF for their continued partnership, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah reiterated his commitment to addressing malnutrition through multisectoral initiatives, community engagement, and substantial financial allocations in the province's annual development program.
The chief minister acknowledged the vital role of international partners in addressing challenges exacerbated by the 2022 floods. He highlighted UNICEF's key contributions, including the review and approval of the Breastfeeding Act, enhancement of humanitarian coordination, and provision of essential nutrition services in remote areas.
“UNICEF has played a crucial role in the early detection and treatment of severe malnutrition and addressing micronutrient deficiencies,” said Shah, adding that the organization has supplied Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) to the People’s Primary Healthcare Initiative (PPHI) and other civil society partners.
The CM also lauded USAID's extensive support, particularly its financial assistance to UNICEF for integrated health, nutrition, water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and protection services. USAID has provided 98,500 cartons of RUTF worth $4.4 million (Rs12.2 billion) for malnourished children in Sindh.
Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho also praised the advancements in Sindh’s nutrition agenda, particularly the enactment of the Breastfeeding (BMS) Act and the allocation of public funds for RUTF and Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS).