Pakistan Faces $17B Economic Loss from Malnutrition

News Desk

Islamabad: A recent report by Nutrition International (NI) has revealed that Pakistan is losing an alarming $17 billion (Rs 4.73 trillion) annually due to the ongoing malnutrition crisis, which constitutes 4.6 percent of the country’s Gross National Income (GNI).

The findings highlight the severity of undernutrition in Pakistan, pinpointing four major indicators: stunting, low birth weight, childhood anemia, and anemia in adolescent girls and women.

Stunting, which affects 34 percent of children under five, is the leading cause of the crisis. This condition impedes both physical and cognitive development, resulting in the loss of 21 million IQ points and 3.3 million school years every year. Despite ongoing interventions, Pakistan’s stunting rate remains one of the highest globally, ranking 18th worldwide and leading South Asia in this regard.

Additionally, the report reveals that 22 percent of newborns in Pakistan are born with low birth weight, and 53 percent of children aged 6-59 months suffer from anemia. These nutritional deficiencies contribute to cognitive impairments, school dropouts, and diminished productivity in the workforce.

The economic consequences are dire, with stunting alone costing Pakistan $16 billion annually, or 4.2 percent of its GNI. The growing number of stunted children over 10 million affected, with an additional two million cases each year poses a long-term threat to the country’s development.

The report emphasizes the need for urgent and comprehensive action to address these challenges. It calls for Pakistan to meet the World Health Assembly’s target of reducing stunting by 40% by 2025. Experts warn that without immediate measures to improve nutrition and health outcomes, the country will continue to face severe economic setbacks that hinder its growth and development.