ISLAMABAD: Health experts on 18 January said hospitalised children face higher nutritional risks with disease-related complications closely linked to body weight and nutritional status.
They suggested continued breastfeeding as a primary preventive measure and ensuring psychological support and counselling for parents as illness further worsens nutritional deficiencies in malnourished children. They also suggested regular use of growth charts for early detection of growth failure.
They were speaking at the 13th Nutrition Continuing Medical Education (CME) summit held at a local hotel. The summit, organised under Abbott Pharma, was held with the objective of creating awareness about the role of nutrition in disease prevention, patient care and healthy living across all age groups, with a strong focus on paediatrics, critical care and geriatric health.
Child specialist Dr Ashfaq Sindhu said nutrition plans should be designed according to the financial capacity of families. “Nutrition supports physical and cognitive growth and healthy children contribute to a healthy society”, he added.
Experts highlighted gaps in Pakistan’s healthcare system, including a shortage of trained dieticians in government hospitals, limited nutrition departments, and the need for a team-based geriatric care model, including trained support staff.
Speaking to the media, Doctor of Medicine Professor Dr Francisco José Terrazona said good health depended on balanced nutrition, regular exercise and proper diet. He noted that malnutrition affected all age groups globally and contributed to rising disease burden.
“Protein intake is especially critical for oncology patients during surgery and chemotherapy, while fiber-rich diets support overall health. Muscle preservation during weight loss, adequate calcium intake with aging, regular walking and avoidance of smoking are also essential,” he said.
Published in Dawn, January 19th, 2026.
