DLP Report
PESHAWAR
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Nutrition International to institutionalize large-scale food fortification across the province, in a bid to address micronutrient deficiencies and improve public health.
The MoU was signed between the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Safety and Halal Food Authority and Nutrition International during a ceremony in Peshawar,a handout said.
Speaking on the occasion, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Food Dr Muhammad Israr Khan said a healthy citizen was the province’s greatest asset, and providing safe, quality and nutritious food remained a top priority of the provincial government.
“Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Safety and Halal Food Authority is the backbone of our efforts to ensure safe and nutritious food,” he said. “Improving access to fortified foods will help prevent nutrition-related diseases, reduce pressure on hospitals, and contribute to better public health and economic productivity.”
Dr Khan said that under Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi, the provincial government was taking “effective and sustainable measures” to strengthen food safety. He added that large-scale fortification would play a key role in tackling malnutrition and securing a healthier future for coming generations.
“We are ready to extend every possible support for programmes that serve the greater public interest,” he said, adding that the Food Department would continue to work closely with national and international partners to safeguard public health and promote food security.
The agreement was signed by Director General KP Food Safety and Halal Food Authority Kashif Iqbal Jillani and Nutrition International Country Director Dr Shabina Raza. Secretary Food Shah Mahmood, Director Administration Amir Hassan, and members of the Nutrition International team were also present.
Under the partnership, both organizations will work to institutionalize food fortification in the province to ensure wider access to micronutrient-rich, safe and quality food, and to strengthen joint efforts to combat malnutrition in the province.
