Impact on Health and Nutrition Outcomes in Sindh Province, Pakistan

We independently conducted the impact assessment of the Tawana Pakistan Project (a school-based feeding programme to improve the nutritional status of primary school girls in impoverished rural districts of Pakistan). The evaluation was conducted among school-going girls in four districts of Sindh, Pakistan. Pre- and post-intervention data was collected for anthropometric measurements, nutritional status and physical examination. Paired analysis of 1,028 girls (512 years) was undertaken using McNemar's test. Our findings revealed a significant association of the school-based nutrition programme with reductions in the proportion of wasting (p<0.0001; CI 12.2%15.7%) and underweight (p<0.0001; CI 9.2%14.5%) while no association was established for stunting (p = 0.0817; CI 0.3%5.5%). The results support the potential for such programmes in improving the nutritional status of primary school girls in impoverished areas and gains in health and improved growth.