Nutrition in Emergencies (NiE) Training Held in Karachi to Strengthen Nutrition Emergency Response in Sindh

In response to Pakistan’s recurring humanitarian challenges such as floods, droughts, and displacement crises, Medical Emergency Resilience Foundation (MERF), in collaboration with International Rescue Committee (IRC), organized a comprehensive Nutrition in Emergencies (NiE) training in Karachi under the EU-funded SIGN Project.

The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of government departments, implementing partners, and civil society organizations to effectively plan, coordinate, and deliver nutrition interventions during emergencies.

Participants included representatives from the Directorate General Health Services (DGHS), Department of Health (DoH), PPHI Sindh, national and international NGOs, and CSOs—ensuring a multi-sectoral approach to emergency nutrition readiness.

Technical facilitation was provided by DevRes Consultants (Mr. Shahid Fazal, Dr. Naveed Bhutto, Dr. Paras Sultan, and Dr. Saba Shahid), using a globally aligned NiE training package

Key modules covered coordination mechanisms, target estimation, supply chain management, community engagement, and information systems.

Key outcomes included:

•          Strengthened coordination among government and humanitarian actors

•          Improved capacity for emergency nutrition planning and therapeutic food estimation

•          Enhanced awareness on community referral and data-driven decision-making

Dr. Aurangzeib, MERF’s Sr. Emergency Response Coordinator, also gave presentation on NiE. Through interactive session and practical exercises, participants enhanced their understanding of coordination, planning, and response mechanisms for nutrition in emergencies.

Participants recommended institutionalizing NiE training at provincial and district levels, developing a provincial preparedness plan, conducting regular simulations, and ensuring pre-positioning of therapeutic stocks in high-risk areas.

This initiative reflects MERF’s continued commitment under the EU-SIGN Project to enhance resilience, preparedness, and coordinated response in nutrition emergencies—ensuring timely and effective support for vulnerable populations across Sindh.