Join Us for an In-Person Talk with Abdul Aziz Memon
We are excited to invite you to an in-person talk with Abdul Aziz Memon, Rotary Foundation Trustee, Polio Plus Chairman, and Chairman of TMSG. Mr. Memon will speak at our club meeting on October 8, 2024, at Loft 123 in St. Catharines from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. He will address the critical issues of malnutrition and polio, providing insights and solutions based on his extensive experience.
Abdul Aziz Memon is a highly respected figure in the Rotary community and beyond. As a Rotary Foundation Trustee and Chairman of both Polio Plus and TMSG, Mr. Memon has been instrumental in leading initiatives that combat malnutrition and eradicate polio. His dedication and leadership have made significant impacts on global health, particularly in vulnerable regions.
Get Your Tickets: Tickets for the event can be ordered via this link. We encourage all members to attend this enlightening session and join us in supporting the fight against malnutrition and polio.
This event is organized by the Rotary Club of St. Catharines South. We look forward to seeing you there and working together to make a difference.
- Najeeb Syed
Addressing Malnutrition and Nutritional Deficits in Pregnant and Lactating Women and Children Under Five
The Malnutrition Crisis in Pakistan
The malnutrition crisis in Pakistan particularly affects pregnant and lactating mothers and children under five. Addressing this issue is crucial to ensuring healthier futures for these vulnerable populations.
Malnutrition in Pregnant and Lactating Mothers
Nutritional Deficits:
  • Increased Nutrient Needs: During pregnancy and lactation, mothers require increased nutrients to support fetal growth, milk production, and their own health.
  • Common Deficiencies: Key nutrient deficiencies in Pakistan include iron, folic acid, calcium, and vitamins A and D. These nutrients are critical for the health of both mother and child.
Health Consequences:
  • Maternal Health Issues: Nutritional deficits can lead to anemia, pre-eclampsia, low birth weight, and preterm birth.
  • Impact on Lactation: Poor nutrition during lactation can result in lower quality and quantity of breast milk, adversely affecting infant growth and development.
New Norms and Guidelines:
  • Dietary Recommendations: Updated guidelines emphasize the importance of balanced diets and supplementation during pregnancy and lactation.
  • Access to Nutrition: Ensuring access to necessary supplements and nutrient-rich foods is essential for maternal and child health.
Malnutrition in Children Under Five
Stunting and Wasting:
  • Chronic Malnutrition: Stunting (low height for age) and wasting (low weight for height) are prevalent among children under five, indicating severe nutritional deficiencies.
  • Long-term Impacts: These conditions can severely affect physical and cognitive development, leading to long-term health issues.
Essential Micronutrients:
  • Vulnerability: Children under five are especially vulnerable to deficiencies in micronutrients like vitamin A, iodine, zinc, and iron.
  • Health Risks: Deficiencies can weaken the immune system, impair brain development, and increase susceptibility to infections and diseases.
Intervention Programs:
  • Supplementation: Providing essential micronutrient supplements in syrup and powder forms can help combat deficiencies.
  • Parental Education: Educating parents on the importance of balanced diets and proper nutrition is crucial.
TMSG's Role in Combating Malnutrition
The Trust for Malnutrition and Stunted Growth (TMSG), a Rotary project, plays a pivotal role in addressing malnutrition in Pakistan:
  • Supplying RUTF: TMSG provides Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) to severely malnourished children, offering essential nutrients for recovery and growth.
  • Community Outreach: TMSG engages with communities to raise awareness about malnutrition and educate parents on proper nutrition.
  • Supporting Clinics: TMSG collaborates with local clinics to enhance their capacity to manage and treat malnutrition, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive necessary care.
Ramadan All Year Long
The analogy of children experiencing "Ramadan all year long" underscores their constant struggle with hunger and malnutrition. Unlike the religious observance, these children endure perpetual hunger without the relief of a nutritious meal at the end of the day, leading to ongoing health challenges.
Call to Action
Awareness and Education:
  • Raise awareness about malnutrition among pregnant and lactating mothers and children under five.
  • Educate communities on the importance of proper nutrition and the availability of supplements.
Nutritional Support:
  • Implement programs to provide essential micronutrients to vulnerable groups.
  • Distribute Nutra MV syrup and UNIMAPP tablets to address specific deficiencies.
Collaborative Efforts:
  • Partner with local and international organizations to secure funding and resources to sustain and expand nutrition programs.
  • Advocate for policy changes that prioritize maternal and child nutrition.
By addressing nutritional deficits in pregnant and lactating mothers and children under five, we can help break the cycle of malnutrition and create healthier futures for these vulnerable populations in Pakistan.
Abdul Aziz Memon
Rotary Foundation Trustee, Polio Plus Chairman, Chairman TMSG