rki.news
Altaf Hamid Rao
MIRPUR (AJK): The State Health Department of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, in collaboration with UNICEF, has inaugurated an OTP (Outpatient Therapeutic Program) center at the District Health Office Mirpur to treat children suffering from malnutrition in the district, officials stated.
According to a District Health Office spokesman, the center focuses on children under five years old suffering from severe malnutrition, particularly those with low arm circumference. Treatment involves the use of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), medical examinations, regular monitoring, and nutritional guidance provided to parents.
“The timely diagnosis and treatment of malnourished children will help reduce child mortality and prevent diseases, while raising awareness among parents about better nutrition and childcare,” the spokesman added.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Senior Chief Health Planning and Development Department Mehreen Gilani, District Health Officer Dr. Fida Hussain Raja, Coordinator Nutrition Program Aurangzeb Mughal, Dr. Hina Rasheed, Kifayat Abdul Rauf, Khawaja Muhammad Iqbal, Salma Bukhari, Waqas Ahmed Khan, Dr. Maida, Dr. Fatima Yaqoob, and field staff alongside the local community.
UNICEF, which works globally to improve children’s health, education, and nutrition, is providing technical assistance, food supplies, and training as part of this initiative. Experts consider this program a positive step toward addressing malnutrition in Mirpur, with expectations of improving child health outcomes and supporting families in providing proper nutrition and care for their children.
The initiative is part of a wider effort by the AJK Health Department and international partners to strengthen maternal and child health services in the region. Officials highlighted plans to expand similar OTP centers in other districts, ensuring that underprivileged and remote communities also benefit from timely medical intervention and nutrition support.