Aziz Memon highlights Rotary’s combat against malnutrition

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

“Malnutrition wreaks havoc on the lives of countless children in Pakistan, driving high mortality rates and inflicting devastating consequences on their growth and brain development. These vulnerable children endure weakened immune systems, rendering them easy prey to a myriad of illnesses and infections. Furthermore, malnutrition cruelly stunts their growth, enfeebles their bodies, and impairs their motor skills, leaving lasting scars on their holistic development,” Aziz Memon, Chairman, Trust for Malnutrition & Stunted Growth (TMSG), observed in a recent interview.

“Yet, within this bleak reality, there is a glimmer of hope, an extraordinary solution known as Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF). This exceptional innovation has exhibited unparalleled success in treating severe acute malnutrition, boasting a staggering 95 percent recovery rate when administered under diligent medical supervision. RUTF, a miraculous nutrient-rich paste, serves as a lifeline for malnourished children, replenishing their bodies with the vital nutrients necessary for their recovery and rejuvenation,” he disclosed. 

“The gravity of malnutrition has not gone unnoticed by stalwart organizations like Rotary International, who comprehend its pivotal role in the fight against child mortality and the pursuit of healthy development. Determined to effect transformative change, Rotary and its partners undertake visionary strategies aimed at enhancing access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities. These crucial factors are intrinsically intertwined with malnutrition and the transmission of disease,” Aziz Memon, himself holding a key component of the Rotary International leadership at the global level, added. 

“With an unwavering commitment to progress, Rotary endeavors to fortify water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure, erecting barriers against waterborne diseases that exacerbate malnutrition and perpetuate a perilous cycle of suffering. By forging a healthier environment, Rotary's endeavors not only diminish the risk of malnutrition-related complications but also engender a formidable defense against disease, fostering improved overall health outcomes,” the former Governor of Rotary International District 3270, shared. 

“Additionally, Rotary extends invaluable support to nutrition programs that supply children with the essential nutrients they so desperately need. Through initiatives like supplementary feeding, where nutritious meals and supplements are provided, Rotary nourishes these young lives, bridging the gaps in their diets. The organization also combats specific nutrient deficiencies prevalent in the region through targeted micronutrient supplementation, ensuring that no child is deprived of the sustenance required for their optimal well-being,” Aziz Memon, who also heads Pakistan’s Polio Plus National Committee, continued. 

“Equally pivotal is the transformative power of education and awareness campaigns championed by Rotary. By igniting knowledge and understanding among parents, caregivers, and communities, these campaigns foster lasting behavioral changes centered on balanced diets and healthy eating practices. Empowering individuals to make informed choices, Rotary paves the way for improved nutrition and heralds a decline in the prevalence of malnutrition and its harrowing consequences,” he reckoned. 

“Rotary International is an integral part of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) that spearheads polio immunization campaigns in remote and high-risk areas, precisely where malnutrition and polio rates converge. The Government of Pakistan and GPEI partners ensure all children receive the polio vaccine, to fortify their defenses against this insidious disease, safeguarding their lives. The treacherous viral disease, often inflicting paralysis and death, particularly among children, remains a formidable foe,” he highlighted. 

“It is important to recognize that Rotary's efforts against malnutrition indirectly bolster the fight against polio as well. Malnourished children, burdened with weakened immune systems, are at heightened risk of falling victim to the poliovirus. However, by addressing malnutrition head-on and bolstering children's nutritional status, Rotary fortifies their immune response, creating an inhospitable environment for the poliovirus to take hold and reducing the likelihood of infection and its debilitating complications,” Aziz Memon elaborated. 

“With a multifaceted and integrated approach, Rotary International and its partners stand as beacons of hope, actively transforming the lives of children. By prioritizing interventions that address the root causes of malnutrition, bolster immune systems, deliver essential nutrients, and promote vaccination, they forge an extraordinary impact. Through their unwavering commitment to reduce child mortality rates and foster healthier communities, Rotary paves the way for a brighter future, where the specter of malnutrition and its associated perils recede into history,” he concluded.