NUTRITIONAL INEQUALITIES IN CHILDREN: A REVIEW OF HOW SOCIOECONOMIC POLICIES IN PAKISTAN SHAPE ANATOMY AND GROWTH

Abstract

Malnutrition is a global issue which means either too much intake of nutrients or fewer intake which further causes physical and mental problems in both early and later life. Under-nutrition means less consumption of nutritious diet that lacks in calories, carbohydrates, proteins and micronutrients. This can cause permanent effects in later life if deficiency occurs in pregnancy period or in first 1000 days of children’s life. Sometimes it may be because of high food prices or food insecurity. PEM (kwashiorkor and marasmus) and micronutrient deficiencies are the severe forms of under-nutrition can cause detrimental effects. On the other side, the problem of obesity as over-nutrition is also emerging in developing countries. Early nutrition pattern plays an important role in long term health.  In 2013, 51 million children were wasted majorly in Asia and Africa. 99 million children affected with problem of under-weight and 42 million children being overweight globally in 2013. Gender, education, income also plays crucial role in accessing the nutritional care and healthy option. In Pakistan there was 44.15% prevalence of malnutrition especially in rural areas because of low resources and lack of infrastructure with limited access to health.  Sindh and Balochistan have higher rate of malnutrition because of low resources. Maternal education and income also impact the child’s health as she knows how to run house by taking right decisions. Infant and young child feeding practices with exclusive breastfeeding reduces the rate and risk of malnutrition. To address these issues in Pakistan, government launched different programs including BNP and Ehsaas program providing cash payments with supplements and awareness sessions as well. Later these programs have positive impacts and results in country when compared with areas without these programs. Another program started called basic and economical food basket which assess the food preferences, average income, household sizes and then provide food baskets with adequate foods.  Study highlights the quick need of maternal education, equal access to nutritious and safe food for low HDS population.  Check and balance on working programs, helping small industries to get better quality of food and spreading awareness about importance of early nutrition and health.