A two-day closeout event for the EU-funded initiative “Strengthening Local Civil Society and Community-based Organisations and their Capacity in the Nutrition Sector in Sindh” was held in Karachi. This EUR 6 million project, co-implemented by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Medical Emergency Resilience Foundation (MERF), and Strengthening Participatory Organisation (SPO), focused on tackling malnutrition in the districts of Sukkur, Kashmore, Ghotki, Khairpur, and Nosheroferoze.

Over two years, the project strengthened civil society leadership, improved service delivery, and promoted advocacy. Key highlights included a 51% increase in the uptake of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) treatment and the distribution of 40,000 cartons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) to children. Digital systems for nutrition surveillance were enhanced alongside the establishment of two Nutrition Innovation Centres through academic partnerships.

Key speakers, including academic leaders and government officials, emphasised the importance of research and community involvement in addressing malnutrition. Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, the Provincial Minister for Health, praised the collaboration with the EU and its alignment with the Government of Sindh’s plans to combat malnutrition.

The event attracted participants from various organisations who shared experiences and ideas to further enhance nutrition programming in the province. The EU’s support for nutrition in Pakistan began after the 2010 floods and has transitioned into long-term development efforts.