ISLAMABAD, Mar 28 (ABC):Pakistan must take urgent action to address anaemia through food fortification, as the condition continues to affect nearly half of women, adolescent girls and children, posing risks to public health and economic growth, said Dr Shabina Raza, Country Director of Nutrition International.
Anaemia remains a major health challenge in the country. It also affects education, productivity and long-term development.
According to the Pakistan National Nutrition Survey (2018), 42.7% of women of reproductive age suffer from anaemia. The survey also shows that 52% of children under five are affected. The burden is higher in rural areas due to limited dietary diversity and low access to fortified foods. More than 900,000 pregnant women experience anaemia every year, increasing the risk of complications and low birth weight.
The economic cost is significant. Estimates show that Pakistan loses nearly $3 billion annually due to anaemia. This includes $2.5 billion linked to children and $595 million related to women and adolescent girls. These losses reflect reduced productivity, weaker learning outcomes and higher healthcare spending.
Dr Shabina Raza said anaemia is both a public health and economic emergency. She noted that it leads to poor cognitive development and lower productivity.
She emphasised that fortifying staple foods such as wheat flour can help reduce anaemia. She added that this approach is cost-effective and delivers strong results. According to her, tackling anaemia among women, adolescent girls and children remains a top priority.
Research supports this approach. Fortifying wheat flour, edible oil and salt with iron and folic acid is considered one of the most effective solutions.
Provincial data shows a similar trend. The Punjab Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (2018) found that 42% of women and 52% of children under five are anaemic. Evidence also shows that fortifying a 20-kg bag of wheat flour costs about Rs20. This is less than 1% of its retail price.
Analyses suggest that every dollar invested in food fortification can generate up to $27 in economic returns. These gains come through improved health, higher productivity and better cognitive performance.
Policy gaps still exist. Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have introduced mandatory fortification laws. However, Punjab has not enacted such legislation despite having nearly 60% of the population. Experts say that large-scale fortification in Punjab could significantly reduce anaemia nationwide.
At the Nutrition for Growth Summit 2025, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to adopt and enforce food fortification laws by 2030. These efforts align with global nutrition targets and Sustainable Development Goals.
Experts warn that delays will increase health and economic losses. Malnutrition continues to affect productivity, healthcare costs and education outcomes.
They stress that food fortification offers a low-cost and high-impact solution. Timely action, especially in Punjab, can improve health outcomes and strengthen the economy.
