An overview of nutrition-related indicators in vulnerable groups and policy goals in Pakistan

One of the strongest links in public health nutrition in Pakistan is from a health systems surveillance perspective with three national surveys to date. These surveys have provided baseline data for policy and program development, monitoring and evaluation. The most recent National Nutrition Survey [2011] presented some positive changes; however, improvement in the overall nutritional status of mothers and children under-five years of age has been slow. From a policy-maker's perspective, the 2010 devolution process has placed public health nutrition on the provincial agenda. Using a health systems lens a way forward is presented to contribute to the discussion and debate about the long and winding road to a National Nutrition Policy. Fifty six per cent [56%] of all disease in childhood have nutrition as a predisposing cause. There is a link between malnutrition, mortality and morbidity rates of children especially the under-five year olds. Striving to achieve MDG 4 and 5 is the need of the hour in Pakistan and must be underpinned by focused food and nutrition policy goals.