Seminar on “Health and Nutrition Awareness for Rural Women”

It is a matter of grave concern that more than 40 percent of children are malnourished and around 60 percent of women are anaemic. It was stated by University of Agriculture Faisalabad Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan while addressing the seminar titled “health and nutrition awareness for rural women” arranged by Department of the Rural Sociology at Iqbal Auditorium in which more than 400 rural women participated. The Vice Chancellor said that the lack of the awareness among the messes about the usage of balanced diet is the hurdle to achieve the goal of good health in the society. He said that the changes in the lifestyle are aggravating the issue. Such as Lassi is the food source of protein but it is being replaced with soda. He stressed the need to exercise and walk in the routine that will help lead to the healthy life. He said that the UAF has launched the BS programme in Human Nutrition and Dietetics in order to prepare the manforce. MPA Najma Afzal said that the government is making all out efforts to combat the issue of the malnutrition. She stressed the need to curtail the early marriages. The family planning is essential to provide the good health and other facilities for the citizen. She said that Waseela Sehat pogramme is being strengthened. Through the programme, the health cards are being issued for distributing Rs 25000 for each poor and deserving families. She said that Punjab Government has passed a bill to establish Punjab Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health Authority to address the issues of mother nutrition and childcare. She said that 48,000 lady health workers are being regularized. Indian Nutrition Expert Dr Jaswinder Kaur Sangha said that sugar, blood pressure and other diseases are commonly being observed in the society. The usage of the balanced diet and exercise can save the people from becoming the victim of the various diseases. Dr Surryia from Allied Hospital Faisalabad said that combination of vegetables, grains, meat and fruit is important. She stressed the need to avoid excessive usage of oil, salt and sugar in the our diet. Dean Faculty of Social Sciences Prof Dr Iqbal Zafar said that the awareness among the segment of the society regarding balanced use of diet was prerequisite for development. He said that if we adopt the measures, the ratio of diseases can be lowered down. Department of Rural Sociology Chairman Prof Dr Ashfaq Mann said that malnutrition was the serious issue. He said that promotion of the simple food will also help address the issue. Dr Izhar Ahmad Khan also spoke on the occasion.