The National Assembly was informed on Wednesday that 3.9 million beneficiaries have been enrolled nationwide in the “Nashonuma Programme” over the last five years to combat stunting.
Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Security Syed Imran Ahmad Shah told the House during Question Hour that the scheme covered 2 million children and 1.8 million pregnant women. He said the initiative has had a significant impact on reducing stunting among children.
According to one study, there was 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 centers.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Climate Change Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal informed the House that a short-term plan has been formulated for climate action. She said 14 key interventions, which will be implemented over a period of 242 days, aim to build resilience ahead of next year’s monsoon season.
Shezra Mansab Ali highlighted that interventions include designing and piloting monsoon ponds in priority flood-prone districts, upgrading flood forecasting 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 ended with the prorogation of the House.
