Nutritional Status In Pakistan

In Pakistan, Despite An Increase In Per Capita Food Availability And Resultant Rise In Per Capita Calorie And Protein Intake, The Prevalence Of Malnutrition Has Not Improved Over Last 20 Years [National Health Survey (1996)]. At The Time Of The On-Set Of The Ninth Plan, I.E., 1997-98, The Estimated Number Of Malnourished Children Was About 8 Million. Nearly Half Of The Children Under 5 Years Of Age Were Found Underweight Of Age At A Level That Corresponds To General Malnutrition Of Protein Energy Malnutrition (Pem). Approximately 5 Percent Of These Are Severely Underweight And 10 Percent Were Moderately Underweight.