2011/Pakistan/DFID
This report describes how the programmes of DFID in Pakistan could contribute directly and indirectly to improving the nutritional status of the population. The few data available for Pakistan before the recent emergency are summarised and some data on factors associated with stunting, underweight and wasting are presented. The guiding principles of DFID’s nutrition strategy are briefly introduced in the context of Pakistan and some comments are made on the likely indicators to be used to assess the effectiveness of programmes. The UNICEF conceptual framework is then used as a tool to analyse how almost all the current DFID programmes could influence the basic or underlying causes of malnutrition and could have nutritional consequences.
The report discusses the difficulties in estimating the effects of programmes on nutritional outcomes unless they directly affect the immediate causes of malnutrition. Some possible additions to DFID programmes are suggested and the purchase costs are estimated. Finally some possible risks or threats to the success of DFID programmes in Pakistan are raised.