Pakistan’s child malnutrition crisis

Pakistan is facing a critical shortage of Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), a life-saving treatment for children suffering from severe wasting. Without urgent efforts to replenish supplies, the country could run out of stock by March 2025, putting the lives of over half a million children at grave risk.
The malnutrition crisis is particularly acute in Sindh, where nearly all children under two are not receiving adequate nutrition. Beyond the immediate crisis, the issue of child malnutrition is deeply rooted in maternal health and broader social challenges, highlighting the need for both short- and long-term interventions.
Nearly two million children globally, suffering from severe wasting (also known as severe acute malnutrition), are at risk of death due to a critical shortage of funding for life-saving Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), UNICEF has warned. Conflict, economic shocks, and climate crises continue to fuel dangerously high levels of severe wasting in children under five across many countries.
“In the past two years, an unprecedented global response has scaled up nutrition programs to contain child wasting and its associated mortality in countries severely impacted by conflict, climate crises, and economic shocks,” said Victor Aguayo, UNICEF’s Director of Child Nutrition and Development. “However, immediate action is now needed to save the lives of nearly two million children battling this silent killer.”
Funding shortages for RUTF are placing nearly two million children at risk of not receiving treatment in 12 of the hardest-hit countries. Countries like Mali, Nigeria, Niger, and Chad are either already facing, or soon will face, RUTF shortages, while others—including Pakistan, Sudan, Madagascar, South Sudan, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda—could run out of stock by mid-2025.
In Pakistan, only 262,000 severely wasted children (one-third of those in need) had received life-saving RUTF treatment by August 2024. The country’s current supply of RUTF is expected to run out by March 2025, threatening ongoing treatment efforts. “The urgency of replenishing RUTF stocks cannot be overstated. It is vital for the survival and recovery of severely malnourished children,” said Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan. “Immediate action and sustained support are essential to maintain treatment efforts, ensure a steady supply of RUTF, and strengthen prevention and treatment programs in high-risk areas. These measures are crucial for saving lives and protecting the health and future of Pakistan’s most vulnerable children.”
UNICEF is calling for $11.9 million in funding to address the immediate shortfall in Pakistan and procure 300,000 cartons of RUTF as part of a global appeal. The organization has also issued a broader appeal for $165 million as part of its “No Time to Waste 2024 Update and Call to Urgent Action”, which seeks to fund therapeutic feeding, treatment, and care for the two million children at risk of death due to critical RUTF shortages.
Since launching the “No Time to Waste” initiative in 2022, UNICEF has raised over $900 million to scale up services and supplies for preventing, detecting, and treating child wasting. This effort has reached 21.5 million children and women with essential services for early prevention, 46 million children with early detection services, and 5.6 million children with life-saving treatment.
It is alarming that Pakistan is among the 12 hardest-hit countries facing severe shortages of Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food (RUTF). Without immediate action to replenish this vital supply, the country could run out of stock by March next year. Currently, only one-third of the 786,000 children suffering from acute malnutrition in Pakistan have received RUTF treatment, leaving 524,000 children still at severe risk.
The situation is particularly dire in Sindh, where 98% of children under two are not receiving the minimum acceptable diets necessary for their growth and development, according to data shared by UNICEF in August. For these acutely malnourished children, RUTF—a nutrient-rich paste designed to treat severe wasting in children under five—is crucial for survival. To address the crisis, federal and provincial health authorities must urgently secure the $11.9 million needed to acquire 300,000 cartons of RUTF and ensure smooth distribution across the country.
In addition to addressing the immediate RUTF shortage, long-term solutions are needed to prevent severe wasting from recurring. The root cause of child malnutrition often lies in poor maternal nutrition, which is essential for both the mother and child’s well-being. Children born to malnourished mothers are more likely to suffer from acute malnutrition, cognitive impairments, weakened immunity, and increased vulnerability to illness and death throughout their lives. According to the *Pakistan Maternal Nutrition Strategy 2022-27*, 18% of married women of reproductive age face nutrient deficiencies, contributing to the stunted growth of 44% of children.
Several factors exacerbate the malnutrition crisis, including insufficient household food security, inadequate access to quality healthcare, and food systems that fail to provide diverse and nutritious diets for women and children. In many households, patriarchal structures further compound the problem, as women and girls often face discrimination in the allocation of food and resources. Poverty, gender inequality, low education levels, and limited autonomy over reproductive health decisions all act as barriers to addressing acute malnutrition.
To combat severe wasting among children, a multi-faceted approach is essential. Strengthening access to quality healthcare for maternal and child health, improving local food systems, and promoting food security at the household level are critical steps. Additionally, empowering families through education, especially for women and girls, can lead to more informed dietary and lifestyle choices. Addressing gender inequality and ensuring equitable distribution of resources will also play a crucial role in improving nutrition outcomes, ultimately fostering a healthier future for Pakistan’s children.
To tackle the severe wasting crisis in Pakistan, urgent measures to restore RUTF supplies are essential. However, sustainable solutions require addressing the underlying causes of malnutrition, including maternal health, food insecurity, and gender inequality. By improving access to nutritious food, healthcare, education, and resources for women, Pakistan can build a more resilient system that ensures the health and well-being of its children. Investing in these long-term strategies is crucial to breaking the cycle of malnutrition and securing a healthier future for the nation’s youngest and most vulnerable population.