BISP and WHO join hands to fight child malnutrition

Malnutrition is a big health problem in Pakistan. Many children under five don’t get the right food to grow properly. This can lead to weakened bodies, impaired brain development, and lifelong health problems.

To solve this issue, the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) joined hands with the World Health Organization (WHO) to launch the Nashonuma Program.

This program helps pregnant women, mothers, and children under two years old by giving them nutritious food, medical care, and money to attend check-ups.

What Is Nashonuma?

Nashonuma is a health and nutrition program that:

• Gives cash to families for attending health check-ups

• Offers special food to mothers and children

• Treats kids with severe malnutrition in hospitals

• Teaches mothers about hygiene and healthy feeding

The goal is to keep children healthy from pregnancy till age two—the most important time for a child’s growth.

Nutrition Centers (NSCs)

BISP and WHO have set up 169 Nutrition Stabilization Centers (NSCs) across the country. At these centers:

• Sick and weak children are treated

• Mothers get nutritious food and health advice

• Families are linked to BISP support and follow-up care

So far, over 43,000 children have been treated with a 98% recovery rate, and more than 120,000 mothers have received health guidance.

Cash Support with Conditions

Families also get money, but only if they:

• Visit health centers

• Take children for growth checks and vaccines

• Collect nutrition food regularly

This helps keep families involved and serious about their child’s health.

Looking Ahead

BISP wants to expand this program to 199 centers, help 80,000 children each year, and train more mothers. They also plan to prepare for future challenges like floods and droughts.

With strong teamwork from local and global partners, Nashonuma is giving Pakistani children a better, healthier future.

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