PESHAWAR — Media professionals gathered at Serena Hotel Peshawar for a seminar on child nutrition Pakistan. Organised by Save the Children International, the Press Information Department (PID) Peshawar, and supported by UNICEF, the event called on journalists to actively advocate against malnutrition. Ultimately, the goal is to promote better health for mothers and children.
Media’s Powerful Role in Child Nutrition Pakistan
Speakers emphasised the media’s unmatched power to influence public opinion and policy. Therefore, they urged journalists to prioritise child nutrition. Azam Kiani, project manager at Save the Children, highlighted the organisation’s long-term work in Pakistan on child protection, education, and nutrition. He explained that media partnerships could greatly increase outreach in regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Meanwhile, Fazal Majeed, Director Nutrition for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department, shared updates on provincial health programmes. He mentioned immunisation drives, nutrition initiatives, and new lactation corners in public spaces to support breastfeeding mothers.
Furthermore, Shiza Hameed, nutrition coordinator at Save the Children, presented key facts: 53 percent of Pakistani children are not exclusively breastfed. Additionally, the infant mortality rate remains high at 56 deaths per 1,000 live births. She warned that malnutrition causes stunting and wasting, which affect children’s futures and the nation’s growth.
Committed to Action and Collaboration
Following the presentations, a lively question and answer session took place. Media participants explored ways to improve reporting and advocacy on child nutrition Pakistan. The consensus was clear: media must go beyond reporting. Journalists should challenge norms, inspire change, and hold institutions accountable.
In conclusion, the seminar ended with a strong commitment to build partnerships. Media, government, and development agencies pledged to work together. Their shared mission is to reduce malnutrition and ensure every child in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan has a healthy start. This is essential for improving child nutrition Pakistan nationwide.
