A delegation of UNICEF Punjab.

FAISALABAD September 15: A delegation of UNICEF Punjab, led by Chief of Nutrition Section Najma Ayub held a meeting with University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali to discuss the framework for cooperation in public health, maternal and child healthcare, girls’ education, nutrition, community development. The meeting was attended by Pak Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC) Central Project Director Dr Moazzam Rafiq, Director Home Sciences Dr Benish Israr. The discussions focused on partnership between PKNC-UAF and UNICEF, with particular emphasis on complementary feeding, malnutrition prevention and improved nutritional outcomes. Najma Ayub said that the right nutrition at the right time is essential for child survival, health and development. She said the situation is quite dire in Pakistan, with stunting and wasting heavily prevalent in the country. Najma Ayub said the primary objective of the visit was to develop a structured collaborative framework through which both institutions could undertake joint projects, particularly in the area of complementary feeding, broader public health and social development initiatives, maternal and child healthcare, girls’ education, and guide programmers and food security. Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali said UAF was committed to contributing its academic and research capabilities to initiatives aimed at improving public health and community well-being. He said collaboration with UNICEF would help strengthen efforts to combat malnutrition, improve maternal and child healthcare services, and support girls’ education and girl guide programmes. He said the university would continue to promote research-based solutions to nutritional challenges and contribute to sustainable development initiatives benefiting communities across the region. Dr Moazzam Rafiq said PKNC was committed to proposed collaboration through its research facilities and technical expertise in nutrition, food fortification and complementary feeding. He said the centre is playing an important role in developing sustainable nutritional interventions and practical solutions to address malnutrition. Dr Benish Israr said that malnutrition was not only a nutritional issue but also a major public health challenge that could affect children’s physical growth, cognitive development and long-term well-being. She said addressing malnutrition required an integrated approach involving nutrition education, maternal and child healthcare, food security and community-based interventions.