Pakistan, WFP join forces for child nutrition

Islamabad:Pakistan and the World Food Programme affirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration on child nutrition, formal learning and social protection during a high-level meeting here on Friday. Poverty alleviation and social safety minister Syed Imran Ahmad Shah met with WFP Country Director Coco Ushiyama to discuss a coordinated, integrated national framework aimed at supporting the country’s most vulnerable populations. Both sides explored linking the Benazir Income Support Programme’s Nashonuma initiative with Pakistan Baitul Mal’s child labour schools and women centres, aiming to provide comprehensive, targeted assistance for children and women. The minister emphasised that aid must reach deserving families efficiently, ensuring maximum impact while avoiding duplication of efforts. “Support should be streamlined so that no child or woman is left behind,” he said. Highlighting the School Meals Programme, the minister described it as a vital initiative to improve children’s health, nutrition, and school attendance, particularly in marginalised communities. He also stressed the need to align national programmes with global objectives to eradicate hunger and poverty, calling such harmonisation essential for sustainable social and economic development. https://www.thenews.pk/print/1397587-pakistan-wfp-join-forces-for-child-nutrition?