Malnutrition among women and children remains a major public health problem. The country as a whole and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in particular have alarmingly high prevalence rates of under-nutrition. No substantial change has been observed in the prevalence of acute malnutrition or in micro nutrients deficiencies despite an increase in per capital income and increased spending of public and donors’ money on different nutrition programs over the years.

This complex situation made the issue of malnutrition a priority policy area for the Government and was addressed in the Integrated Development Strategy (2014-18). The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the valued development partners emphasized on a viable solution for addressing the preventable nutritional deficiencies that are adversely affecting human health and their potential for economic growth. Accordingly, the provincial integrated nutrition strategy is focused on integrating vertical programs within each sector into a single entity and establishing inter-sector linkages for greater efficiency, sustainability and up-scaling of successful programs into regular development programs.

SUN Cell has been established at a time when KP Government has declared NUTRITION EMERGENCY. The Cell is thus expected to augment the policy and implementation framework and play a proactive role beyond its mandate.

Nutrition is an essential element for human health and sustainable development, however, levels of malnutrition in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remain alarmingly high. Every second child in the province is stunted (chronically malnourished) while 17% children are wasted (acutely malnourished). The status of maternal nutrition and micronutrient deficiencies can be judged from the high level of anaemia. Under-nutrition is one of the main causes of death among infants and young children. Those who survive exhibit less learning capacity and reduced productivity at adulthood thereby causing negative impacts on the economy.

I greatly appreciate the efforts of SUN team and hope that all relevant stakeholders will continue their coordinating efforts towards combating the problems of malnutrition in the province in a holistic and synergistic manner. This will potentially contribute to the physical, mental and socio-economic wellbeing of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.