SALU Khairpur Partners with Local NGOs BSWA & HWA to Lead European Union –IRC Funded Malnutrition Study
In a significant step to combat regional malnutrition, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khalipur (SALU) has formalized partnerships with two local non-profit organizations, Bhittai Social Watch & Advocacy (BSWA) and the HWA Foundation Ghokti.
Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed today, establishing a collaborative framework to implement a major research initiative funded by the European Union (EU) and led by the International Rescue Committee (IRC).
The signatories for the agreements were Meritorious Professor Dr. Yousuf Khushk, Vice Chancellor of SALU, Khadim Hussain Mirani, Executive Director of BSWA and Ghulam Nabi Soomro, CEO of the HWA Foundation Ghotki.
On the occasion, Vice Chancellor Meritorious Professor Dr. Yousuf Khushk said this is a good opportunity to collaborate to provide social service to society. He further added that the government and organizations are looking for persons who can deliver and should be credible when given responsibility. He commended the partners, stating, "You have done an excellent job in the past and we hope you will do it in the future for university and society betterment."
The Vice Chancellor expressed confidence that the project will bring positive outcomes. "Certainly, this project will bring positive things for our students and society. Healthy activities will bring healthy minds; this brings positive things in society," he said. He affirmed that social services have done important work and that the chosen path will bring success for all.
He highlighted the collaboration between IRC BISWA and SALU to work on this significant task for the welfare of society, focusing on how to contribute to ending poverty, malnutrition, and other related issues by determining which crops and nutrition should be focused on. "The government is playing its role and the university will also play its role," he concluded.
IRC BISWA Director Khadim Hussain Mirani thanked the Vice Chancellor for the collaboration, stating, “We are targeting women and children facing malnutrition. This project will focus on women on nutrition deficit and health-related issues.”
Dr. Ali Raza Lashari, the focal person for the project, briefed the attendees on the ongoing activities, assuring everyone that the project would be completed on time.
Dr. Lashari elaborated on the methodology, noting that the study will focus on women's behavior and engage influencers like religious leaders and landlords. Innovative methods such as "Chai Kachahari" (discussions at tea stalls) will be used in rural areas to include all stakeholders.
Professor Dr. Taj Lashari mentioned that a 45-page literature guide on healthy foods is part of the initiative.
The collaboration will specifically target malnutrition among vulnerable groups, focusing on Pregnant and Lactating Women (PLWs) and adolescent girls.
Building on the Sindh Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) Strategy, the project will deliver tailored interventions in selected Union Councils of Khalipur and Ghokti districts. A mixed-method research approach will be used to improve nutrition knowledge, practices, and service uptake while addressing deep-rooted sociocultural barriers.
SALU will spearhead the academic and technical execution of the project. The university's responsibilities include research design, the nomination and training of enumerators, with a priority on recruiting female data collectors, and leading the data analysis.
The occasion was attended by a number of distinguished guests. Representing the IRC were Fateh Jadoon and Ms. Shabana, Senior Partnership Officer, Mr. Ghulam Nabi Soomro, CEO of the HWA Foundation Ghotki, and Mr. Khadim Hussain Merani, Executive Director of the BSWA, were also present.
Also in attendance were Prof. Dr. Wahid Bux Jatoi (Pro-Vice Chancellor), and Prof. Dr. Noor Ahmed Shaikh (Dean of the Faculty of Physical Science). Director Finance Qazi Nizam Uddin, Mr. Jabbar Khaskheli, Mr. Muhammad Ameen, Imran Sommro, Mr. Waseem Kalhoro, and Dr. Sahib Oad.
Dr Sahib Oad
Media Studies
SALU Khairpur Mir's
