Ways to Overcome Micronutrient Malnutrition in Pakistan
By Dr. A. Khan
Chicago , IL
Micronutrient Malnutrition is a leading cause of increased cases of disease, disability and mental impairment in the developing world. Micronutrients are the essential vitamins and trace minerals which include Folic acid, iodine, vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D, E, Niacin, Zinc, Copper, Selenium, and Iodine. Deficiency of these micronutrients can cause major health problems such as abortion, still birth, brain damage, learning impairments, and retarded physical development.
According to UNICEF’s report Vitamin and mineral deficiency: a global damage assessment, the present efforts to remedy the micronutrient deficiencies in the developing world are inadequate and will remain so unless aggressive approaches are adopted. The report reveals that micronutrient deficiencies have deprived two billion people of their physical and mental potential and have also adversely affected the health of children.
At the global level these micronutrient deficiencies have also led to stunting of children: India ranks number one in terms of the number of children who are stunted (60.8 million, 31.2% of world total), followed by China (12.5 million), Nigeria (10.1 million), Pakistan (9.8 million), Indonesia (7.7 million) and Bangladesh (7.2 million). The top five countries with the largest number of children under 5 years old who are wasted are: India (33.1 million), Nigeria (5.3 million), Pakistan (4.8 million), Bangladesh (3.4 million), and Indonesia (4.1 million).
In China efforts are being made to protect a population of 250 million from micronutrient malnutrition, which is known in China as the “Hidden Hunger.” It is estimated that such efforts could boost GDP of China by $86 million over the next 10 years. In Pakistan, in most urban and rural areas the “stunted younger generation” is very visible. It is therefore imperative that the government and NGOs work together to address the micronutrient deficiencies in children and adults, in accordance with the WHO policies and recommendations, by providing:
- Vitamin supplements in primary and secondary schools
- Iodized salt for food preparation for the poor
- Hand-washing facilities and toilets in schools
- Fortified flour, rice and cooking oil for the poor
- Micronutrient enriched food products for the poor
- Micronutrient enriched snacks and meals in schools
- Biofortification education to farmers for promoting food-based approaches.
