Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 9 July 2025
UNIC-Islamabad
9 July 2025
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UNICEF
PRESS RELEASE
Without urgent action, 18 million more women and girls in South Asia could suffer from anaemia by 2030
SAARC, UNICEF and WHO urge governments to take urgent and unified action in South Asia, the region with the highest burden of anaemia among girls and women globally.
KATHMANDU/COLOMBO, 9 July 2025: Anaemia remains one of South Asia’s most persistent health and equity challenges, affecting nearly half of all adolescent girls and women in the region. Now, experts warn that without concerted action, 18 million more girls and women could become anaemic by 2030, adding to the current burden of 259 million.
In response, for the first time, governments from seven South Asian countries have come together to take collective action against anaemia. From 9-11 July, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), the Government of Sri Lanka, UNICEF, WHO, and other partners are hosting the Nourishing South Asia | Reducing Anaemia in Adolescent Girls and Women regional conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The event brings together over 100 policymakers, researchers, health experts, and development leaders to shape a shared regional framework and country action plans to address this widespread yet overlooked health crisis. The conference will also launch a new South Asia Anaemia Academic Alliance, aimed at rallying scientific leadership and closing research gaps to drive long-term solutions.
“Anaemia remains a public health concern in Sri Lanka, affecting 18.5 per cent of women of reproductive age and 14.6 per cent of children under five. We are stepping up our nutrition programme, particularly in districts with high rates of anaemia, focusing on women and children. The government is committed to expanding these efforts nationwide through collaborative actions across multiple sectors. We are eager to strengthen our partnership with UNICEF, WHO, and other UN agencies. Organising this conference highlights our position as a regional leader in tackling anaemia,” said Dr Harini Amarasuriya, Honourable Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.
Anaemia occurs when the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen, resulting in people feeling weak, tired, and more susceptible to illness. For girls and women, anaemia can make it more challenging to stay in school, work or care for their families, particularly due to heavy periods. Lastly, anaemia during pregnancy poses a risk to both mother and baby.
However, anaemia isn’t just a health problem. It’s a warning sign of deeper issues, such as poor nutrition, infections, and inequality. The poorest, particularly women and children, are most affected, exacerbating the existing crisis of poor health, malnutrition, lost opportunities, and gender inequality.
Although Pakistan has made notable strides in combating anaemia, there remain major challenges in addressing malnutrition among adolescent girls and mothers. Between 2011 and 2018, the prevalence of anaemia in this group declined by 14 percentage points, from 53% to 39%. This progress reflects the government’s growing commitment to maternal and adolescent nutrition, demonstrated through the launch of the Maternal Nutrition Strategy, the Adolescent Nutrition Strategy, and the expansion of nutrition-responsive social protection programmes under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) among others. Scaling up of Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation for pregnant and breastfeeding women has been prioritised to improve maternal nutrition and birth outcomes, particularly in reducing the high burden of low birth weight.
“In South Asia, our young people and mothers stand at the heart of our demographic and development goals. Ensuring that they are healthy, nourished and empowered is not just a moral imperative, it is a strategic investment in the future of our societies.” said His Excellency, Mr. Md. Md. Golam Sarwar, Secretary General of SAARC.
Although many countries have national policies in place to tackle anaemia, their health systems still face significant challenges that hinder progress. These include inadequate healthcare infrastructure to deliver services, difficulties for healthcare workers in reaching isolated communities, and limited programme scopes that fail to meet the needs of all women and girls, particularly those in the poorest and most marginalised areas. Furthermore, there is a lack of comprehensive data collection to inform effective interventions.
“This is a clarion call for action. When half of all adolescent girls and women in South Asia are anaemic, it’s not only a health issue, but also a signal that systems are failing them. We know what to do and we know how to do it. Now is the time for governments to take the lead and scale up solutions,” said Mr. Sanjay Wijesekera, Regional Director of UNICEF South Asia.
Anaemia doesn’t just affect women and girls. It is a major cause of low birth weight, with South Asia accounting for 40 per cent of the global cases of babies born with low birth weight. Anaemia hampers children’s ability to get enough oxygen, affecting their growth and development. This can lead to fatigue, delayed learning, and increased susceptibility to illness.
“Anaemia is both preventable and treatable. We know the causes: poor nutrition, iron deficiency, infections, chronic diseases, and pregnancy-related complications. A more nuanced and evidence-driven approach is needed. Tackling anaemia is not just about health; it is foundational to the well-being of our women and girls. It is as much an economic and social investment as a health investment,” said Saima Wazed, Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia.
The overall number of anaemia cases has remained largely unchanged for the last two decades. However, progress is possible, as Nepal is demonstrating. By investing in frontline workers who can travel to remote communities, prioritising an equity approach, integrating programmes such as health and nutrition and implementing a multi-sectoral nutrition plan, Nepal has consistently achieved significant results over the past decade.
The prevalence of anaemia in women of reproductive age in Nepal has declined equitably by 7 per cent (41per cent in 2016 to 34 per cent in 2022), with a similar impact even in women belonging to the poorest households. WHO projections forecast that by 2030, anaemic women in Nepal will decline to 27 per cent. The projections estimate that the drop will be the most significant in Nepal’s Karnali province (11 per cent), and the anaemia prevalence will be lowest among women from the poorest households (19 per cent).
India and Pakistan are also seeing promising local results where empowered health workers and data-driven programmes are in place. Bangladesh is linking adolescent nutrition to schools and social services through new integrated platforms. In Sri Lanka, progress is also commendable, with a prevalence rate of 17 per cent among women under 25 years of age as of 2022.
Anaemia is not just a health crisis. It is a marker of inequality. It stifles potential, productivity and entire economies, costing the South Asia region $32.5 billion each year. Yet, the return on investment is undeniable: every $1 invested in maternal anaemia interventions yields an economic return of $9.50.
Ending anaemia takes leadership, but also teamwork. Governments must lead, but communities, health workers, schools, and families all have a role to play. With robust health systems, trained health workers, more innovative use of data, and more inclusive and coordinated action across sectors, girls and women can better fulfil their potential and contribute to stronger communities and more prosperous nations.
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Media Inquiries
- Pravaran Mahat, UNICEF South Asia, pma...@unicef.org / +977 9802048256
- Shamila Sharma, WHO SEARO, shar...@who.int
About SAARC
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established with the signing of the SAARC Charter in Dhaka on 8 December 1985. SAARC comprises of eight Member States: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The Secretariat of the Association was established in Kathmandu on 17 January 1987. The objectives of the Association, as outlined in the SAARC Charter, are to promote the welfare of the peoples of South Asia and improve their quality of life; to accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region; to provide all individuals with the opportunity to live with dignity and reach their full potential; to promote and strengthen collective self-reliance among South Asian countries; to foster mutual trust, understanding, and appreciation of each other's problems; to encourage active collaboration and mutual assistance in economic, social, cultural, technical, and scientific fields; to strengthen cooperation with other developing countries; to enhance cooperation among themselves in international forums on matters of common interest; and to collaborate with international and regional organisations with similar aims and objectives.
About UNICEF
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.
UNICEF’s Regional Office for South Asia (ROSA) works with UNICEF Country Offices in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to help to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfil their potential. For more information about UNICEF’s work for children in South Asia, visit www.unicef.org/rosa and follow UNICEF ROSA on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
About WHO
Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance to live a healthy life. Working with 194 Member States across six regions and on the ground in 150+ locations, the WHO team works to improve everyone’s ability to enjoy good health and well-being.
UNESCO
PRESS RELEASE
UNESCO and National School of Public Policy Collaborate to Advance Ethical AI Discourse in Pakistan
Lahore, 8 July 2025 — The National School of Public Policy (NSPP), in collaboration with UNESCO, hosted a multi-stakeholder dialogue titled “AI for Humanity: Ethical and Inclusive AI in Pakistan”, bringing together key actors from the public sector, civil society, academia, and media to discuss Awareness and Readiness from Pakistan’s draft National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy perspective.
The dialogue is part of a broader series of technical engagements facilitated by UNESCO to unpack the five strategic pillars of the draft policy and ensure an inclusive, rights-based approach to AI governance in Pakistan.
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Naveed Elahi, Dean National Institute of Public Policy, National School of Public Policy, Pakistan stated that whilst AI use in public sector is still in its nascent stages in Pakistan, but the dialogue organized with the support of UNESCO was a timely intervention. This multistakeholder dialogue would bring in perspectives that respect cultural contexts and protect fundamental rights.
Dr. Aneel Salman, Policy & Governance Expert, provided critical context around Pakistan’s policy landscape, emphasizing the urgency of embedding ethical frameworks within national strategies. He mentioned that “AI will not transform Pakistan until Pakistanis are ready to shape it. We are sitting on a demographic goldmine. But without AI skills, it's just potential. This pillar is how we turn more than 224 million people into a million digital assets.”
In his remarks, Mr. Hamza Khan Swati, National Professional Officer, Communication and Information Sector, UNESCO Pakistan, highlighted the relevance of UNESCO’s global normative work, including the Recommendation on the Ethics of AI and the Readiness Assessment Methodology for AI, which emphasizes transparency, human rights, and international cooperation.
The discussion focused on institutional preparedness, digital infrastructure, and the need for capacity-building to ensure the safe and ethical deployment of AI. It also drew on the global best practices such as UNESCO’s capacity-building Programme on AI and the Rule of Law, and the AI Competency Framework piloted under the UN Broadband Commission.
The event concluded with key policy insights that will feed into the ongoing consultations on Pakistan’s National AI Policy and strengthen collaboration between stakeholders to uphold human dignity and ethical standards in the digital era.
About UNESCO
With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions.
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WHO
PRESS RELEASE
WHO, Pakistan and partners prepare health emergency response for 1.3 million people ahead of monsoon floods
Director General Health Dr Shabana Saleem chairs the Health Sector Coordination Forum held on 8 July 2025. Photo credit: WHO/Hamid Inam
8 July 2025, Islamabad, Pakistan – The World Health Organization (WHO) joined hands with the Government of Pakistan and health sector partners to discuss the Monsoon Contingency Plan 2025 and prepare to provide emergency health assistance to 1.3 million vulnerable people – across 33 priority districts – in anticipation of potential monsoon floods.
During a meeting of the Health Sector Coordination Forum, led by the Ministry of Health and co-led by WHO, the Government of Pakistan and partners focused on the review and finalization of the contingency plan to ensure preparedness ahead of potential monsoon-related flooding, which poses significant threats to public health and the delivery of essential health services. The main objectives of this plan are to ensure a coordinated and timely emergency response, maintain uninterrupted delivery of essential health services to populations in high-risk areas, and strengthen disease surveillance, early warning systems, and rapid outbreak response.
The 33 priority districts identified in the contingency plan are located in Punjab (10), Sindh (10), Balochistan (9), and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (4). Priority populations include pregnant and lactating women, children under five, persons with disabilities, the elderly, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and underserved communities in high-risk or flood-prone areas.
Main interventions include prepositioning and distribution of emergency health kits and supplies, enhanced surveillance and outbreak detection and response, improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions in health facilities, and service delivery through static and mobile facilities, outreach services, and telemedicine, among others.
“WHO stands with Pakistan and partners to be ready to save lives by supporting rapid response, surveillance and the continuity of essential health services in the event of a natural disaster. In a context marked by the impacts of climate change, which are exacerbating risks, it is crucial to be ready to protect the health of all, particularly the most vulnerable,” said WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Dapeng Luo.
According to the Global Climate Risk Index 2021, Pakistan ranks as the 8th most affected country by extreme weather events between 2000 and 2019, experiencing frequent and severe natural disasters, including floods, droughts, heatwaves, and pandemics. Among these, monsoon-induced floods remain the most recurrent and destructive, with catastrophic impacts on human health, infrastructure, and livelihoods. The 2022 floods affected over 33 million people across 116 districts, damaged more than 2,000 health facilities, and placed enormous strain on the public health system. In the context of recurring emergencies, anticipatory and coordinated health planning remains essential to save lives.
As of today, the Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) have issued a countrywide flood alert due to intense monsoon activity and a warning of widespread heavy rainfall (7-9 July). According to NDMA, a total of 79 fatalities and 140 injuries have been reported since the onset of the monsoon on 26 June.
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For additional information, please contact:
Maryam Yunus, National Professional Officer – Communications, WHO Pakistan, yun...@who.int José Ignacio Martín Galán, Head of Communications, WHO Pakistan, joma...@who.int
About WHO
Founded in 1948, WHO is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners, and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. We work with 194 Member States in 150+ locations – so everyone, everywhere, can attain the highest level of health. For more information, visit https://www.emro.who.int/countries/pak/index.html. Follow WHO Pakistan on Twitter and Facebook.
Photo credit: WHO/Hamid Inam - Director General Health Dr Shabana Saleem chairs the Health Sector Coordination Forum held on 8 July 2025.
