MY mentor, Dr Ghaffar Billo, once made an astute comment during a lecture on how children are the living messages of a future we cannot see, and how investing in them can ensure a secure future. I recall his reflections for the following reasons.

Developing countries are affected most by malnutrition which contributes to a large percentage of deaths in children. Of all children under five in Pakistan, 38 per cent are underweight. Poor nutrition leads to cognitive decline and stunting; leaving children in an unfavorable position to achieve educational and professional success in the future.

According to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, every dollar invested in reducing malnutrition generates $18 in economic returns. The Pakistan government has adopted a multi-pronged approach one of which includes the provision of nutritional supplements.

Unicef and the World Food Programme in collaboration with The World Health Organisation (WHO) provide high nutrition supplements to specific countries, including Pakistan. Most of the supply is received from a French company that makes a world renowned product. This ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) has been shown to reduce fatality rates. The product has a peanut butter base mixed with dried skimmed milk and vitamins which can be consumed directly. But Pakistani children don’t have a liking for peanut butter which has led to decreased acceptability.

A high density diet ‘Nutri-help’ has been developed and tested in Pakistan and has a ‘halwa’ like flavour. This product has revealed favourable outcomes in malnourished children.

Despite the presence of a local remedy the government continues to invest in ‘Plumpy Nut’ which has higher import costs. Many countries, including Ethopia, Congo and Malawi, who used to rely on ready-to-use therapeutic foods, have transitioned to indigenous products. Why can’t Pakistan?

Ali Thaver

Baltimore, Maryland, US

Published in Dawn October 26th, 2016