Purpose:

The last National Nutrition Survey was conducted in 2001-02, almost 15 years after the 1985-1987 National Nutrition Survey. After a lapse of another eight years it is timely to undertake a nutrition survey for the following reasons: i) establishing the current benchmark of nutrition and related indicators for gauging progress along the targets set for the MDGs; ii) establishing a benchmark for missing data/indicators; and iii) prioritizing the programs/initiatives at the national and provincial levels and refining planning and implementation of initiatives. In addition to above, in view of the recent food crisis and price hike, establish benchmarks for nutrition to see how they will be impacted by this situation and what appropriate measures may be taken to contain the effects. The main aim of the survey is to assess the population nutritional status (especially of children and women and/or other target groups), morbidity, family/community caring practices, and food intake to facilitate in supporting strategies for better utilization of resources and implementation of programme interventions in a more integrated manner.

 Specific objectives:

 To assess the nutritional status of nationally and provincially representative samples of the major population areas of Pakistan, using anthropometry, clinical, and biochemical analysis as follows:

• To collect data on height, weight and age of children, 6 – 59 months old, mothers of these

children, adolescent girls, adults and elderly.

• To collect blood samples for the assessment of micronutrient status of children mainly

iron, vitamin D, Zinc, Calcium; and iron status of mothers.

• To collect urine sample for the assessment of iodine status of children.

2.To assess infant and young child feeding and caring practices, including exclusive breastfeeding

rate, timely complementary feeding rate, morbidity of diarrhea and pneumonia, and feeding

practices during illnesses.

 3. To collect data on food intake and food availability.

4. To collect data on socio economic status, including income and educational status.

 Source: Pakistan One Programme Annual Report 2010