The Political Economy of Under-Nutrition in Pakistan

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Undernutrition rates in Pakistan have remained unchanged for over half a century. Success in tackling under-nutrition relies on cross-sectoral action across health, food, agriculture, poverty, water and sanitation. A recent positive momentum has involved loose inter-sector coalitions in the provinces supported by international development partners. However, weak understanding of nutrition, low ownership, minimal allocations, siloed working of sectors and lack of effective homegrown coalitions constrain meaningful action. Pakistan requires political championing by the executive leadership, central convening structures in the provinces and common policy and monitoring frameworks. This report and brief is based on the study 'The Political Economy of Under-Nutrition in Pakistan'. The authors highlight challenges faced for mainstreaming nutrition as an inter-sectoral development priority and provide strategic recommendations using Acosta and Fanzo’s nutrition governance framework.