Malnutrition rates still high among children in Pakistan, and other news (30 July 2019)

• A national nutrition survey has found that four in 10 children under five in the Punjab are stunted, with at least 23.5% children underweight. Double the amount of girls are underweight compared to boys. Read more in Dawn (Pakistan).

• A fifth women’s centre has been launched at a refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh by UN Women with funding from DFID.  The centre provides access to education, skills training and support services, and recreational activities. Read more in The Independent (Bangladesh).

• As of March 2020, primary schools in Pakistan will teach in Urdu, rather than English, to remove translation time according to the Punjab Chief Minister. Punjab public schools currently teach in English following consultation with the British Council and DFID. Read more in New Indian Express.

• SH1 billion is being granted by DFID to Bungoma town, Kenya, to support urban planning and management in reducing congestion within the town’s Central Business District. Read more in The Standard (Kenya).

• DFID have provided over almost £500 thousand to UNICEF to support their preventative Ebola work in Malawi, ensuing that districts are prepared for potential outbreaks. Read more in Nyasa Times.

• During a justice and peace-building workshop in Jamaica, the chairman of the Violence Prevention Alliance has called for a greater bi-partisan approach to tackle the root causes of crime in Trench Town, Jamaica and end violence in the community. Read more in Jamaica Observer.

• OPM’s team attended last week’s Indonesia Development Forum, which spotlighted inclusive economic development and improving resilience of businesses and citizens. Read more at Republika (Indonesia).

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