Health ministry to constitute emergency nutrition task force

ISLAMABAD: A meeting chaired by Minister for National Health Services Aamir Mehmood Kiyani on Saturday decided to constitute an emergency nutrition task force with the aim to eliminate child malnutrition, ARY News reported.

The meeting, attended by representatives from all provinces along with  Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir agreed to form an ‘Emergency Nutrition Task Force’ with representation from provinces to over come the problem of stunting and under-nutrition in the country.

It was decided that the provinces will be given representation in the task force.

The federal minister welcomed all the provincial ministers and secretaries attending the first meeting of ‘Inter-Provincial Health & Population Strategic Forum’ since the formation of new government and said: “The priority of the present government is the welfare and improved health status of people of Pakistan. All of us have been mandated to serve the people and collectively we can achieve the result of ensuring good quality health services to all”.

All provincial ministers and secretaries agreed that health will be kept above political priorities and in the general interest of people.

Reviewing the latest results in health sector, the discussion focused around increasing number of measles cases in the country, challenges in the population sector, nutrition crisis in the country and need for a renewed strategic thought in the health sector, while respecting the mandate of the provincial governments as a result of devolution.

The status of preparations for the measles campaign was reviewed and all provincial ministers strived for 100 percent coverage in measles campaign.

It was decided that highest political offices at the federal and provincial levels will be involved along with strong oversight and accountability mechanisms.

Concerns were expressed on the high population growth rate in the country.

A renewed priority especially to the lady health workers program and improved availability of services at the health facility level were mutually agreed. Provincial ministers commented that health workforce is critical factor for provision of quality health services and that the role of lady health workers, lady health visitors and nurses is of utmost importance