Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah launched the European Union (EU)-funded 'Programme for Improved Nutrition in Sindh (PINS)' here on Tuesday. Primary focus of the programme is sustainable improvement in the nutritional status of children under five years and of pregnant and lactating women (PLW). It will be implemented in ten districts of Sindh: Shikarpur, Thatta, Kambar-Shahdadkot, Larkana, Dadu, Jamshoro, Matiari, Sujawal, Tando Allahyar and Tando Mohammad Khan.
This four-year programme will specifically focus on building the capacities of the Government of Sindh for an effective implementation of its multi-sectoral nutrition policy while providing direct assistance to significantly and rapidly reducing malnutrition in rural Sindh. "Malnutrition has become a major issue for Sindh province. Only sincere and concerted efforts can control this alarming situation," the Chief Minister said, addressing the launching ceremony.
Murad Shah said Sindh government is committed to take up these challenges on priority. He said the aim of his government is to reduce the stunting rate from existing 48 percent to 40 percent by 2021. He thanked EU saying that Sindh government will continue to work with EU and other donor organisations in the future also. He lauded EU's funding for PINS that will help address the key issue of malnutrition.
"The fact saddens me that half of Sindh's women and children suffer from stunting and malnutrition, which is a great burden," he lamented urging that this programme have to be made successful for Sindh province. The programme will be implemented by Rural Support Programmes Network (RSPN), National Rural Support Programme (NRSP), Sindh Rural Support Organisation (SRSO) and Thardeep Rural Development Programme (TRDP), with Action Against Hunger (ACF) and Conseil Sante as programme partners.
The Ambassador of European Union Jean-François Cautain said malnutrition and stunting is a key issue because due to it, not only children are suffering but it has an impact on society and overall growth of Sindh.
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