PR
Lahore
Pakistan Nutrition and Dietetics Society (PNDS) teaming up with Tetra Pak Pakistan organised the second ‘Grow Healthy Pakistan’ Seminar to raise awareness about critical issues related to nutrition in the country and to highlight the value of milk in overcoming malnutrition among children. During the event, PNDS launched its Lahore chapter.
A large number of nutritionists, media representatives and other stakeholders participated in the seminar. In his welcome address, Fahad Maral, communication manager Tetra Pak Pakistan said, “Tetra Pak Pakistan realises the need to address the critical issue of malnutrition in the country and has formed a partnership with PNDS to raise awareness through ‘Grow Healthy Pakistan’ initiative”. This was followed by a presentation by former PNDS president Dr Nilofar Safdar, on the activities of PNDS, since its inception in 2003. She highlighted the significance of milk in alleviating nutrition deficiencies. Fayza Khan, president of PNDS said, “We support the ‘Grow Healthy Pakistan’ initiative to raise awareness about critical nutrition issues and promote milk drinking to overcome these”. Tetra Pak Pakistan presented their ‘Grow Healthy Pakistan’ concept, which seeks to create widespread awareness about the importance of milk in healthy dietary intake. Audience was also apprised of the aseptic packaging and how it is the answer to our needs in terms of keeping milk safe from external environment. It was emphasized through examples, that milk drinking across the world has helped the health and nutrition index. The seminar highlighted that milk is a unique natural package of essential nutrients required for the proper functioning of the body.
It contains not only calcium but also significant amount of other essential nutrients such as protein, potassium, iodine, phosphorus and vitamins A, B2, B3 (niacin) B5, B6 and B12. Other nutrients like magnesium, selenium and zinc are also present in milk.
Malnutrition is a key public health challenge facing Pakistan and has a substantial impact in the country’s elevated child morbidity and mortality rates. Due to its correlation with infections, malnutrition in Pakistan is threatening maternal and child survival, especially in remote and underdeveloped areas.
The seminar served as the stepping stone for initiating dialogue and provided a platform for knowledge sharing and engagement.