Karachi: New Facilities Aim to Improve Child Nutrition and Preventive Healthcare
Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, and Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho on Tuesday inaugurated the Nutrition Stabilization Center and Model Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Center at the National Institute of Child Health (NICH) in Karachi.
According to Beyond Time News, representatives of international health organizations also attended the inauguration ceremony.
The two facilities have been established under the Benazir Nashonuma Programme to strengthen child nutrition and preventive healthcare services.
Focus on Treating Child Malnutrition
Addressing the ceremony, Senator Rubina Khalid said the Nutrition Stabilization Center would provide specialized treatment and care for children suffering from moderate and severe acute malnutrition.
She said the center is an important component of the Benazir Nashonuma Programme.
According to Beyond Time News, the programme has introduced a referral mechanism connecting Nashonuma Facilitation Centers with Nutrition Stabilization Centers.
This system aims to ensure the timely identification, referral and treatment of malnourished children.
Joint Efforts to Improve Child Health
Senator Rubina Khalid said the initiative reflects the combined efforts of the federal and Sindh governments, international development partners and provincial health authorities.
She emphasized that cooperation among government institutions, United Nations agencies and healthcare systems can help address nutrition-related challenges more effectively.
Furthermore, she said such partnerships play an important role in improving the health and well-being of vulnerable families.
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Sindh Health Minister Highlights Nutrition Challenges
Speaking on the occasion, Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho highlighted the growing challenge of child malnutrition in Pakistan.
She stressed the need for coordinated and integrated measures to improve health outcomes for children.
According to Beyond Time News, Dr. Pechuho said many children continue to suffer from stunting and impaired cognitive development due to malnutrition.
Therefore, she called for strengthening healthcare and nutrition services for vulnerable communities.
High Immunization Coverage Reported
Dr. Pechuho also highlighted the achievements of the Benazir Nashonuma Programme.
She said programme data shows that more than 90 percent of beneficiaries have completed their immunization schedules.
According to her, the figures demonstrate the effectiveness of integrated healthcare services.
She added that the newly established Model EPI Center would serve as a benchmark for comprehensive child healthcare.
Model Center to Support Preventive Healthcare
Officials said the Model EPI Center is expected to provide a replicable framework for strengthening preventive health services across Sindh.
The facility aims to improve access to immunization and other essential healthcare services for children.
Experts believe that preventive healthcare and proper nutrition are key to reducing childhood diseases and improving long-term development.
Benazir Nashonuma Programme
The Benazir Nashonuma Programme focuses on addressing malnutrition among mothers and children.
The initiative provides nutritional support and promotes immunization and healthcare services.
It is designed to improve maternal and child health and reduce the burden of malnutrition in vulnerable communities.
FAQs
Where were the new facilities inaugurated?
The Nutrition Stabilization Center and Model EPI Center were inaugurated at the National Institute of Child Health (NICH) in Karachi.
Under which programme were the centers established?
The facilities have been established under the Benazir Nashonuma Programme.
What services will the Nutrition Stabilization Center provide?
The center will provide specialized treatment and care for children suffering from moderate and severe acute malnutrition.
What percentage of beneficiaries completed immunization?
According to programme data, more than 90 percent of beneficiaries have completed their immunization coverage.
What is the purpose of the Model EPI Center?
The center aims to strengthen preventive healthcare services and serve as a model for similar facilities across Sindh.
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