FAISALABAD, Sep 15 (APP):A delegation of UNICEF Punjab, led by Chief of Nutrition Section Madam Najma Ayub

visited the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) and held a meeting with UAF Vice

Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali to discuss the framework for cooperation in public health,

maternal and child healthcare, girls’ education, nutrition, community development.

UAF spokesman said here on Tuesday that the meeting was attended by Pak Korea

Nutrition Center (PKNC) Central Project Director Dr Moazzam Rafiq, Director Home

Sciences Dr Benish Israr.

The discussions focused on partnership between PKNC-UAF and UNICEF, with particular

emphasis on complementary feeding, malnutrition prevention and improved nutritional

outcomes.

Madam Najma Ayub said the right nutrition at the right time was essential for child

survival, health and development.

She said the situation was quite dire in Pakistan, with stunting and wasting heavily

prevalent in the country.

Madam Najma Ayub said that primary objective of the visit was to develop a structured

collaborative framework through which both institutions could undertake joint projects

particularly in the area of complementary feeding, broader public health and social

development initiatives, maternal and child healthcare, girls’ education, and guide

programmers and food security.

Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali said that UAF was committed to contributing its academic and

research capabilities to initiatives aimed at improving public health and community well-being.

He said that collaboration with UNICEF would help strengthen efforts to combat malnutrition,

improve maternal and child healthcare services, and support girls’ education and Girl

Guide programs.

He said the university would continue to promote research-based solutions to nutritional

challenges and contribute to sustainable development initiatives benefiting communities

across the region.

Dr Moazzam Rafiq said that PKNC was committed to proposed collaboration through

its research facilities and technical expertise in nutrition, food fortification and complementary

feeding.

He said that the center was playing an important role in developing sustainable nutritional

interventions and practical solutions to address malnutrition.

Dr Benish Israr said that malnutrition was not only a nutritional issue but also a major public

health challenge that could affect children’s physical growth, cognitive development and

long-term well-being.

Addressing malnutrition required an integrated approach involving nutrition education,

maternal and child healthcare, food security and community-based interventions, she added.

UNICEF delegation visits UAF