WHO and BISP sign $6.25M Nashonuma deal

The fight against malnutrition in Pakistan has taken a big step forward with the signing of a US$6.25 million agreement between the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).

This partnership, called the Nashonuma Programme, will focus on improving the health of mothers and children across the country.

Why Nutrition Matters

Malnutrition has been a serious problem in Pakistan for years. Many families cannot afford or access proper food and healthcare. As a result:

• 40% of children under five are stunted (shorter than normal, with slower brain growth).

• 18% of children are dangerously thin (wasted).

• Many women suffer from anemia and poor diet, affecting both their own health and their babies.

These problems keep families trapped in poverty and weaken future generations.

What is the Nashonuma Program?

Nashonuma means “growth” in Urdu. The program focuses on the first 1,000 days of life—from pregnancy until a child turns two. This is the most critical stage for healthy growth.

Key services include:

• Nutritious food supplements for mothers and children

• Health check-ups for pregnant women and infants

• Guidance on breastfeeding and safe feeding practices

• Food packages and hygiene awareness sessions

• Linking support with BISP’s cash transfers

How the New Agreement Helps

The US$6.25 million funding will:

• Open more Nashonuma Centers in underserved districts

• Provide fortified food for mothers and children

• Train doctors, nurses, and health workers

• Launch awareness campaigns on nutrition and hygiene

• Use digital systems to ensure transparency

Why It Matters

This partnership is not just about money—it can change lives.

1. Healthier Children: Reducing stunting and wasting.

2. Stronger Mothers: Better nutrition during pregnancy and after birth.

3. Less Poverty: Healthy children learn better, work better, and break the cycle of poverty.

4. Global Goals: Supports UN targets of Zero Hunger and Good Health.

Benefits for Families

• For Mothers: Free check-ups, fortified food, guidance on safe feeding, lower risk of complications.

• For Children: Growth monitoring, fortified food, immunizations, and healthier start to life.

WHO’s Role

WHO is not just giving funds—it is also providing:

• International nutrition standards

• Training for health workers

• Research and monitoring systems

• Support in building sustainable programmes

The Bigger Picture

Good nutrition leads to stronger families, better school results, reduced healthcare costs, and a healthier workforce. It also empowers women by giving them access to proper healthcare and decision-making.

Challenges Ahead

Some hurdles remain:

• Reaching remote villages

• Changing harmful cultural feeding practices

• Ensuring long-term funding

• Closing awareness gaps about healthy diets

WHO and BISP aim to solve these issues through awareness drives, digital tools, and community partnerships.

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