Australian HC to open Balochistan nutrition programme
- October 18, 2015, 10:04 pm
- Breaking News
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QUETTA Oct 18 (PPI): Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Margaret Adamson will formally inaugurate Balochistan Nutrition Programme for mothers and children at a ceremony here Tuesday.
The programme will cost approximately rupees 1.5 billion out of which government of Balochistan will co finance the programme with a commitment of Rs 298.2 million. The programme will be funded through Australian dollars 41 million partnership with the World Bank Donor Trust fund for nutrition.
The programme is aimed at to reduce malnutrition in the 7 District of Balochistan namely Panjgur, Noshki, Zhob, Killa Saifullah, Kohlu, Sibi and Kharan and will be completed in 3 years.
Pakistan has one of the highest rates of maternal child mortality. One in 11 children dies before their fifth birthday. Nearly half of all children under five in Pakistan are chronically undernourished. Under nutrition is estimated to decrease Pakistan’s GDP by 2-3 percent and equates to billions of lost Rupees every year.
