New Delhi, September 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Pakistan continues to face a severe child malnutrition burden despite years of interventions, with millions of children remaining nutritionally vulnerable, according to a report published by Pakistan Observer.
The report, citing Pakistan’s National Nutrition Survey 2018, said 40.2 per cent of children under five were stunted, equivalent to around 12 million children. Wasting was recorded at 17.7 per cent, highlighting the persistent scale of chronic undernutrition across the country.
Data cited in the report showed that the stunting rate increased from 41.6 per cent in 2001 to 43.7 per cent in 2011 before declining to 40.2 per cent in 2018.
The impact of malnutrition extends beyond childhood, affecting physical and cognitive development, learning capacity and educational outcomes. Pakistan’s nutrition partners estimate that malnutrition and undernutrition cost the country around $17 billion annually, the report said.
Micronutrient deficiencies, including vitamin A, zinc and vitamin D, along with widespread anaemia, further increase children’s vulnerability.
Climate-related disasters have compounded the problem. The report said the 2025 monsoon floods disrupted healthcare, nutrition, water and sanitation services in several provinces while damaging crops, food stocks and livelihoods.
Citing UNICEF, it said 946 people had died by September 12, including 255 children, while more than one million acres of farmland in Punjab had been inundated. Contaminated drinking-water sources also increased children’s exposure to diarrhoeal diseases and other infections.
Environmental pollution is another concern. UNICEF reported in May that four in 10 children aged 12 to 36 months living in high-risk areas of seven Pakistani cities had elevated blood-lead levels.
UNICEF’s 2025 annual report also recorded treatment for 304,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.
The report described the situation as a national human-development crisis requiring sustained political commitment and coordinated action across government departments.
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