Pak Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC)
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As per the Steering Committee meeting held on 21-02-2023, significant progress has been made regarding the Pak-Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC) Regional Outreach Center at Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University (SBKWU). The project, initially approved on 17th May 2021, underwent a revision on 9th August 2023, increasing the total cost to Rs. 4,069.953 million.
Under Agenda Item 3, the house was informed that SBKWU is one of the two approved locations for PKNC Regional Outreach Centers, alongside Upper Punjab (Narowal).
Outreach Center Location & RFP Submission
The PKNC Regional Outreach Center at SBKWU is being established in Block B of the university. The Request for Proposal (RFP) has been forwarded to Faisalabad UAF for review and recommendations to ensure smooth execution and compliance with project objectives.
Key Decisions by the Steering Committee
The Steering Committee emphasized the significance of the outreach center in promoting community health, nutrition awareness, and professional training. The following decisions were made:
- Enhancing training programs for healthcare professionals to strengthen their role in preventive healthcare.
- Expanding the scope of workshops and lectures to ensure maximum outreach and impact.
- Strengthening partnerships with educational institutions, public health organizations, and government agencies to sustain the initiative.
Training Programs Conducted
The outreach center has successfully trained professionals in various fields:
- Lady Health Workers: Focused on community-based nutrition awareness and preventive healthcare strategies.
- Clinical Dietitians: Training on nutrition counseling, diet planning, and disease management.
- School Advisors: Capacity-building sessions aimed at promoting healthy eating habits among students and school communities.
Lectures & Educational Initiatives
Alongside training, a series of expert lectures have been conducted to educate faculty members and students about nutrition, food safety, and dietary health. These lectures aim to:
- Enhance awareness about balanced diets and their role in overall well-being.
- Discuss the impact of food choices on health and strategies to combat malnutrition.
- Promote evidence-based approaches in nutrition education and research.
Workshops & Achievements
The PKNC Regional Outreach Center at SBKWU has successfully hosted:
- Workshops for school advisors, clinical dietitians, and lady health workers, equipping them with practical skills and knowledge.
- Hands-on training sessions focused on improving community nutrition and food security.
- Expert-led discussions addressing malnutrition, diet-related diseases, and public health policies.
Workshops & Achievements
A delegation from Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University (SBKWU) Quetta, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Rubina Mushtaq and Dean Basic Sciences/PKNC Focal Person Prof. Dr. Uzma Jabeen, visited the Pak-Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC) at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) to strengthen collaboration and discuss the establishment of a PKNC Outreach Center at SBKWU. The delegation was warmly received by Prof. Dr. Imran Pasha, Central Project Director PKNC, and his team. A high-level meeting was held with PKNC officials, including Prof. Dr. Jaehan Kim, to deliberate on the operational framework, logistics, and strategic vision for the proposed Outreach Center. The discussions emphasized the shared commitment to advancing nutrition education, research, and community outreach in Balochistan.
The visit included an in-depth tour of PKNC’s research facilities, showcasing the center’s advanced capabilities. Prof. Dr. Rubina Mushtaq commended PKNC’s efforts in addressing nutrition-related challenges, while Prof. Dr. Uzma Jabeen highlighted the importance of close coordination between SBKWU and PKNC for the successful implementation of the Outreach Center. The visit reaffirmed the mutual dedication of both institutions to enhancing public health through research-driven nutrition education and capacity-building initiatives. The Outreach Center at SBKWU will serve as a key hub for promoting nutrition awareness, research, and community engagement in Balochistan.
Future Directions
With strong support from HEC, the Planning Commission of Pakistan, and partner institutions, the PKNC Regional Outreach Center at SBKWU is poised to make a lasting impact on nutrition education and public health in Balochistan. Future efforts will focus on:
Expanding outreach efforts to rural communities.
- Developing advanced training modules for healthcare professionals.
- Strengthening research collaborations to address regional nutrition challenges.
The project remains a flagship initiative for women’s empowerment and public health awareness, reinforcing SBKWU’s commitment to excellence in nutrition and healthcare education.