UNICEF, AJK Govt launch lifeline, OTP centre established in Mirpur to combat child malnutrition

MIRPUR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Mar, 2026) In a significant and timely initiative, the State Health Department of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, in collaboration with UNICEF, on Monday formally inaugurated an OTP (Outpatient Therapeutic Program) Centre at the District Health Office Mirpur to address the alarming issue of child malnutrition. According to official sources, the facility aims to provide essential treatment to under-five children suffering from severe nutritional deficiencies.

A spokesman for the District Health Office, while exclusively talking to APP, said the Centre has been established specifically for children whose arm circumference indicates critical malnutrition. Moreover, such patients will be treated through RUTF (Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food), where they will receive carefully monitored medical check-ups, special nutritious food, and regularly supervised follow-ups along with guidance for parents regarding proper child nutrition.

He further emphasized that early diagnosis and effective treatment through the OTP Centre would help reduce child mortality and disease prevalence in the district. Consequently, the initiative is expected to enhance parental awareness about better dietary practices and childcare, thereby contributing to the overall improvement of public health indicators.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by key health officials and stakeholders, including Senior Chief Health Planning and Development Department Mehreen Gilani, District Health Officer Dr. Fida Hussain Raja, and other experts. Furthermore, representatives from partner organizations highlighted that UNICEF is providing technical support, food assistance, and training under this programme, which is widely regarded as a positive, impactful, and forward-looking step towards tackling malnutrition in the region.

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