SUKKUR: The District Advisory and Implementation Panel has called for devising joint actions for urgent implementation of the Sindh Protection and Promotion of Breastfeeding and Young Child Nutrition Act, 2023.

Iqbal Detho, chairperson of the Sindh Human Rights Commission who co-chaired meeting of the panel organised by the National Advocacy for Rights of Innocent (NARI) Foundation at Sukkur commissioner’s office the other day reaffirmed his support at the policy level, including engagement with the Infant and Young Child Nutrition Board to ensure gender-sensitive budgetary allocations for effective implementation of the Act.

The meeting reviewed malnutrition crisis, with actionable recommendations for aligning government initiatives and stakeholder efforts based on orientation session on the Act.

Anwar Mahar, executive director NARI Foundation along with district heads from various departments, assistant commissioner, DAP representatives and other participants highlighted ongoing efforts to promote nutrition and food security, including pilot projects on food fortification.

Sukkur Commissioner Fayaz Hussain Abbasi highlighted critical role of district administration and public sector departments in addressing malnutrition.

He underscored the need for effective implementation of the Act to combat malnutrition, a persistent issue across Sindh that disproportionately impacted women and children while hindering socio-economic development.

He called for a collaborative and inclusive approach among stakeholders, emphasising that the provisions of the Act must translate into actionable outcomes.

He expressed his gratitude to all participants for their commitment and encouraged continued efforts to implement sustainable solutions for nutrition programming in Sukkur division.

Sukkur DC Dr M.B. Dharejo, deputy mayor and president of PPP Sukkur Dr Arshad Mughal, ACs of Sukkur, and representatives of public sector departments, members of civil society and media participated in the meeting and put forth significant suggestions.

Published in Dawn, January 2nd, 2025