PESHAWAR: Health department on Thursday launched a campaign to promote maternal nutrition by improving the knowledge and skills of healthcare providers and frontline health workers.

The campaign titled ‘NourishMaa’ has been launched in collaboration with Nutrition International. “Health and nutrition of mothers and children are foundational pillars for overall development of society,” Health Minister Syed Qasim Ali Shah told a ceremony.

He underscored the urgency of addressing maternal malnutrition and highlighted the pivotal role of healthcare providers in creating a healthier future. He called for concerted efforts by all stakeholders to implement effective interventions and ensure sustained improvement in maternal nutrition across the province.

The health minister, referencing to National Nutrition Survey 2018, said that women of reproductive age faced the triple burden of malnutrition. He said that 14.4 per cent of them were underweight, 38 per cent were overweight and obese and 42.7 per cent suffered from anaemia with a high prevalence of other micronutrient deficiencies.

“Rates of anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are lower than the national figures. Concerted efforts are required to further improve these indicators. “To address these concerning statistics, the government prioritises women-centric and equity-based strategies and programmes,” he added.

The core objectives of the campaign include raising awareness about maternal nutrition and strengthening the capabilities of healthcare providers in both public and private sectors, alongside FHWs to incorporate nutrition counselling in their routine practice. The initiative is meant to reach more than 6,000 HCPs and FHWs in the targeted districts, enhancing their knowledge and capacities in maternal nutrition and integrating nutrition counselling into their daily practices.

“Nutrition International is dedicated to advancing maternal nutrition in the country through research, programme implementation, technical assistance, policy advocacy and capacity building of key stakeholders,” said Dr Irfanullah, the deputy country director of Nutrition International.

He said that improving knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare providers were the key components for creating an enabling environment for maternal nutrition.

The event was attended by the director general health services, Dr Saleem Khan, the additional director general health, Dr Shahid Yunis, and the deputy director of nutrition, Dr Fazal Majeed.

Published in Dawn, June 7th, 2024