The National Assembly was informed on Wednesday that 3.9 million beneficiaries have been enrolled across the country in the “Nashonuma Programme” over the past five years to address the issue of stunting.
Poverty Alleviation and Social Security Minister Syed Imran Ahmad Shah told the House during Question Hour that the program includes 2 million children and 1.8 million pregnant women. He said the initiative has had a significant impact in reducing stunting among children.
According to one study, there has been a 6.4% reduction in stunting among children under two years of age, and a whopping 20% reduction in stunting among children aged six months.
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The Minister added that the nutritional support program operates in 157 districts through 542 facilitation centres.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Climate Change Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal informed the House that a short-term plan for climate action has been formulated. He said 14 key interventions, to be implemented over a period of 242 days, aim to improve resilience ahead of next year’s monsoon season.
Shezra Mansab Ali highlighted that interventions include designing and testing monsoon ponds in priority flood-prone districts, improving flood prediction and warning systems, establishing an emergency logistics system and integrating flood control, water management and climate adaptation into provincial plans.
The session of the National Assembly concluded with the prorogation of the House.
