According to UNICEF, three months after the devastating floods in Pakistan, 10 million children are still in need of help.  The Pakistan floods affected more people than the 2004 tsunami, the Haiti earthquake, and the recent earthquake in Pakistan combined.  In some areas almost half of the population is still displaced.  Flood damage to crops and agriculture infrastructure left families with little access to food. An estimated 125,000 Pakistani children will suffer from dangerous levels of malnutrition in the coming year, with child nutrition expected to be a problem in flood-affected areas for a many years to come. 

Even before the devastating flooding hit Pakistan starting last July, the infant mortality rate in the country was one of the highest in South Asia.  Nearly 1 in 10 children die before the age of two, with most deaths resulting from diarrhea, pneumonia or vaccine-preventable diseases, combined with inadequate hygiene, sanitation and feeding practices.  Almost 40% of children under age 5 are underweight and more than ¼ children are born with low birth weight.     

Experts explain that children, especially those under age two, are most vulnerable to the impact of malnutrition, which, in turn, makes them more susceptible to life threatening illnesses. “It is it is critical that nutrition concerns be tackled now, as families in Pakistan try to recover from the flood disaster."

Vitamin Angels' Operation 20/20 program in Pakistan is reaching almost 90,000 children with vitamin A supplements through our partnership with Save the Children.

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