Malnutrition remains of serious concern in Sindh Province, especially in certain areas where drought has aggravated an already difficult food security and nutrition situation. Sindh has among the highest GAM rates in the country (Global Acute Malnutrition -GAM 17.5%) with the worst affected areas registering exceptionally high GAM (29%) and SAM (Severe Acute Malnutrition - 11.1%) rates.
Since the beginning of the year, at least 75 children have died in the Tharparkar district (Sindh Province) because of drought-related waterborne and viral diseases. In Tharparkar, access to health services is difficult, with families travelling long distances to reach health facilities.
In 2015, ECHO assisted Sindh with approximately half of its total budget for Pakistan (EUR 12.1 million). Assistance is provided through a multi-sectoral response with a focus on community-based management of acute malnutrition and Infant and Young Child Feeding practices, livelihood support and WASH interventions. Sector specific assessments aimed at monitoring the evolution of the humanitarian situation are also supported by ECHO.
Recent nutrition surveys (November 2015) point to a worsening of the overall nutrition situation in Sindh.
Source: European Commission Humanitarian Aid Office
Country: Pakistan
