UNICEF Delegation Visits Punjab Food AuthorityUNICEF Delegation Visits Punjab Food Authority A delegation from UNICEF visited the headquarters of the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) in Lahore, where they met with the Director General, Muhammad Asim Javaid. Collaboration on Nutrition Programs UNICEF’s Chief Nutrition, Anteneh Minhas, expressed full support for PFA’s ongoing nutrition programs aimed at improving the health of children and women. He stated that UNICEF will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PFA to strengthen cooperation and implement these programs effectively. Changing Dietary Habits and Health Concerns PFA DG Javaid highlighted the changing dietary habits of children today, emphasizing the decreasing awareness about playground activities and the consumption of fruits and vegetables. He also expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and anemia among women due to the popularity of junk food. Two-Part Approach to Children’s and Women’s Health PFA has adopted a two-part approach to addressing these health concerns. It has implemented campaigns to educate the public about the importance of nutritious food. Additionally, it has introduced simple diet plans for those facing financial constraints. Food Fortification and Task Force Javaid stressed the significance of food fortification and expressed optimism about positive results in the future. He announced the formation of a Food Nutrition Task Force comprising members from UNICEF, PFA, the school education department, and the health department. Commitment to Nutritional Awareness In line with the vision of the Punjab Chief Minister, PFA remains committed to raising awareness about nutritious food and promoting healthy eating habits among the population.
LAHORE – A delegation of UNICEF visited the headquarters of Punjab Food Authority (PFA) and called on PFA Director General Muhammad Asim Javaid at his office. The delegation was led by Anteneh Minhas, Chief Nutrition, UNICEF. PFA Muhammad Asim Javaid welcomed the delegates and gave a detailed briefing on the ongoing project of PFA regarding nutrition and public interest.
Chief Nutrition said that UNICEF will provide full support in the ongoing programmes of Punjab Food Authority (PFA) regarding the good health of children and women. He said that the nutrition programmes of PFA for children and women are commendable. Anteneh Minhas stated that PFA is a role model for other food authorities in Pakistan. UNICEF will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Punjab Food Authority for cooperation in nutrition programmes. We need to educate the future generations about the importance of food nutrition to achieve a fit and healthy life, Chief Nutrition said.
Speaking on the occasion, PFA DG Muhammad Asim Javaid said that children’s eating habits and food choices have changed in the past few years. He said that children today are not aware of the playground and do not eat fruits and vegetables.
He said that problems like obesity, diabetes and anaemia among women are increasing dangerously due to the preference for junk food. He further said that PFA has divided the ongoing campaigns for children’s and women’s health into two parts. PFA has introduced simple diet plans for those who cannot afford to buy expensive food items, he said.
He said that fortification of food items is very necessary while positive results will be received in future. He further said that a Food Nutrition Task Force will be formed comprising members of Unicef, PFA, school education and health department. As per the vision of Punjab Chief Minister, people will be made aware of nutritious food, PFA DG said.
