BISP grows Nashonuma Programme in AJK with four new nutrition centers – August 2025

In August 2025, the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) expanded its Nashonuma Programme to more districts in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK).

This expansion added four new Nutrition Stabilization Centers (NSCs) focused on improving the health of mothers and children, especially in vulnerable communities.

What is the Nashonuma Programme?

Nashonuma means “nurturing.” It is a special BISP program designed to reduce child stunting, wasting, and underweight problems, and to improve mothers’ nutrition. The program focuses on the first 1,000 days—from pregnancy until the child turns two years old. This period is very important for a child’s growth and brain development.

The program provides:

• Nutritional supplements for pregnant and breastfeeding women

• Fortified food for children under two

• Cash payments to families who attend regular health check-ups

• Health awareness sessions for mothers and caregivers

Why is the August 2025 Expansion Important?

Malnutrition is a big problem in Pakistan. Nearly 4 out of 10 children suffer from stunted growth. This affects not only their health but also their learning and future work.

In AJK, many people live in remote, hard-to-reach areas. The new Nutrition Stabilization Centers help by:

• Providing emergency care for severely malnourished children

• Giving nutrition advice to mothers

• Offering medical treatment and supplements

• Sending complicated cases to specialized hospitals

How Does the Programme Work in AJK?

AJK now has a mix of Functional Centers (for prevention) and Nutrition Stabilization Centers (for treatment). The NSCs have trained doctors, nutritionists, and support staff who follow international care guidelines. They also work with local health authorities to give proper follow-up care.

Programme Reach and Impact

Across Pakistan, the Nashonuma Programme is active in over 150 districts. From July 2025 to March 2026:

• More than 860,000 people received help

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women got nutrition support and cash transfers

• Children under two received fortified food

• Families got Rs 3,000 (for boys) or Rs 3,500 (for girls) every three months if they attended health visits

A Healthier Future for Pakistan

BISP works with health agencies to make sure nutrition support is connected with other health services like vaccinations and disease prevention. This creates strong support for young families.

The August 2025 expansion in AJK is a big step towards fair healthcare access. The new centers will improve children’s health now and help build healthier generations for the future.

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