Islamabad, June 11, 2024: The FrieslandCampina Institute was officially launched in Pakistan by Kashan Hasan, Managing Director of FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan Limited (FCEPL). The inauguration ceremony, held at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, marks a significant milestone in advancing healthcare professionals’ education and nutritional awareness across the region. The Institute in Pakistan aims to equip local healthcare professionals with essential tools and knowledge, particularly about the nutritional value of dairy, enabling them to improve health outcomes across communities.
Having operated successfully in countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Nigeria, China, and Vietnam, the FrieslandCampina Institute now brings its expertise to Pakistan to address critical nutritional issues, including widespread malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies.
Kashan Hasan, Managing Director of FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan, highlighted the Institute’s commitment:
“The FrieslandCampina Institute maintains high standards of quality and credibility, ensuring that the
information provided is reliable and useful.”
He also emphasized: “While we ensure that the institute is a credible and trusted science-based engagement platform for healthcare professionals, we also ensure that it is 100% independent without being influenced from brands.”
Dr. Muhammad Nasir, the Institute’s lead in Pakistan, emphasized the unique position of the Institute:
“Realizing the overwhelming significance of milk, its contribution to nutrition and health, and the versatility, brought us to the conclusion that Pakistan needs a fact-based, formal, non-branded way of training, communication, and collaboration.”
During the launch, the FrieslandCampina Institute formalized its commitment to Pakistan’s healthcare sector through the signing of MoUs with the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) and the Pakistan Nutrition and Dietetic Society (PNDS). These agreements underscore a shared goal of improving health outcomes and expanding the reach of nutritional education across Pakistan. The collaborations will facilitate a broad range of initiatives aimed at equipping healthcare professionals with the latest in nutritional science and practical health strategies.
Francis Riekhoff, Manager of Friesland Campina Institute Netherlands, stated: “Our mission at Friesland Campina Institute is clear and resolute. We believe that by sharing scientific-based knowledge about the role of dairy in a healthy diet, we can significantly contribute to the improvement of the nutritional status and the promotion of safer food consumption throughout Pakistan.”
The event was honored by the presence of distinguished guests, including Rana Mashhood Ahmad, Senior Parliamentarian and Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, who expressed his support: “This Institute promises to be a credible source of knowledge and support, very important for nurturing a healthier, more informed generation.” Rana Mashhood also expressed that “In Pakistan, the dairy landscape faces significant challenges, particularly with widespread myths and misconceptions about dairy products and dietary practice .
The FrieslandCampina Institute can play a crucial role in debunking these myths by providing accurate, science- based information about the food safety and dietary preferences.”
Khawaja Imran Nazir, Minister of Primary & Secondary Healthcare Punjab, also supported the initiative: “In
Pakistan, we face the dual challenge of undernutrition and rising non-communicable diseases. Initiatives like this are crucial for our health and nutrition goals.” He emphasized: “As Punjab’s Minister of Health, I am devoted to enhancing the health and nutrition of not only the residents of Punjab but also our entire nation. This initiative aligns perfectly with our goals.”
Romina Khurshid Alam, Coodirdinator to PM on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination remarked on the occassion “Platforms like the FC-Institute enables the use of awareness and education as a tool, vital to the social and intellectual development of the country with practical benefits in healthcare.”
The launch event highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to enhance the healthcare and nutritional awareness in Pakistan. The FrieslandCampina Institute is poised to become a cornerstone for healthcare professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and improve health outcomes across communities.
