KARACHI: Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme Senator Rubina Khalid and Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho inaugurated a Nutrition Stabilization Center and Model EPI Center at the National Institute of Child Health in Karachi on June 16.
The facilities have been established under the Benazir Nashonuma Programme to provide treatment and referral support for malnourished children, while strengthening immunization services for vulnerable families in Sindh.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by representatives of international health organizations, provincial health authorities and officials associated with child health and nutrition programmes.
Speaking at the event, Senator Rubina Khalid said the Nutrition Stabilization Center would provide specialized care for children suffering from moderate and severe acute malnutrition. She said the center was part of a referral system linking Nashonuma Facilitation Centers with stabilization facilities to help ensure timely identification, referral and treatment.
She said the initiative reflected cooperation between the federal government, the Sindh government, international development partners and health institutions in addressing child malnutrition.
Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho said child malnutrition remained a serious public health challenge in Pakistan, with many children affected by stunting and impaired cognitive development. She called for coordinated measures to improve nutrition and healthcare services for vulnerable children and families.
The Sindh health minister said data from the Benazir Nashonuma Programme showed that more than 90 percent of beneficiaries had completed immunization coverage, indicating the impact of integrated health and nutrition services.
She said the Model Expanded Programme on Immunization Center at NICH would serve as a benchmark for comprehensive child healthcare and could be replicated to improve preventive health services across Sindh.
Officials said the new facilities are expected to support early diagnosis, nutrition care, immunization and referral services for children at risk of malnutrition.
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