How School Meal Programs are Combating Malnutrition in Islamabad’s Public Schools

In Islamabad, a new program is making wonderful changes in public schools to improve the health, nutrition, and education of children. This initiative is addressing the malnutrition challenges students face and is helping them live healthier lives while learning better.

School Meals to Fight Malnutrition

A major issue in Pakistan is that many children are physically weak. Nearly 48% of children in the country suffer from stunting due to poor nutrition. To address this, all primary schools in Islamabad now provide free hot meals five days a week. The meals include rice, salad, and roti, prepared in a central kitchen and delivered to schools during lunchtime.

The program has enhanced children's health, increased school enrollment by 25%, improved attendance from 60% to 95-98%, and created a need for evening shifts to accommodate more students.

Helping Children with Vision Problems

To help children with vision issues, a program called "Ice-Cleaning" has been introduced. Students who have problems seeing are given free glasses. A database is kept to track how this helps students in the long term, making sure they can see clearly and learn without difficulty.

Addressing Anemia in Girls

Many girls in schools suffer from anemia due to a lack of iron. To help, a special program has been launched to provide hygiene kits and include iron-rich foods like dates in their meals. This is aimed at improving their health and reducing the risk of anemia.

Health Centers in Schools

To further improve health, 125 health centers have been set up in schools. These mini-dispensaries provide basic medical services, including diagnostic tools and medicines. The staff in these centers are trained to handle students' health needs and can also help their families, ensuring that everyone in the community has access to basic healthcare.

Evening Shifts to Handle Overcrowding

With the success of these programs, more students are enrolling in school. To manage overcrowded classrooms, evening shifts have been introduced in some schools. This helps ensure that all students get enough attention and space for learning.

A Better Future for Children

These programs show how important it is to link health and education. By improving nutrition, eye care, and addressing anemia, children in Islamabad are getting the support they need to succeed in school. The federal government deserves appreciation for its commitment to implement these innovative initiatives which not only are tackling immediate health challenges but also laying the foundation for a healthier, more educated future for generations to come.