The Benazir Nashonuma Program is a program started under the BISP program by goverment. Aimed to fulfilled the malnutrition and improve the health for pregnant woman and chilgren under two years of age. Launched in 2020, this program having the strong commitment to social protection and public health.
Background and Rationale
Pakistan have facing a number of maternal and child malnutrition from long time. According to the National Nutrition Survey (NNS) 2018, around 40% of children under five are stunted, while 17.7% are wasted, and nearly 28.9% are underweight. Malnutrition of maternal increase these issues, that`s why there are low birth weight and high children death rates.
After the admitting this crisis, government of Pakistan start the Benazir Nashonuma Program to provide financial assistance, nutrition education, and healthcare services to the most vulnerable populationsexpectant mothers and young children.
Objectives of the Program
The primary goals of the Benazir Nashonuma Program are to:
- Reduce stunting, wasting, and underweight prevalence in children under two.
- Improve maternal health and reduce anemia and other nutrition disesas.
- Promote healthy behaviors around pregnancy, breastfeeding, and child feeding practices.
- Ensure regular antenatal checkups and child immunizations.
8171 BISP New Installment Update: New Survey Phase 2 Start
How the Program Works
The program is implemented through Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs), where only specific health related women receive money who meet criteria.
Key Features:
- Monthly stipend: Pregnant women receive PKR 2,000 and the mothers of baby girls receive PKR 2,500 per quarter to support gender equity.
- Nutrition awareness: Women attend regular awareness sessions on nutrition and child care.
- Health monitoring: Women and children are monitored for growth and health status through checkups and immunizations.
- Digital tracking: The program uses a digital MIS (Management Information System) to ensure transparency and monitor progress.
Coverage and Impact
In start this program launched in only 9 districts for pilot, Now this program is extended to more then 100 districts across Pakistan. It is beneficial for many women and children, resulting to improve birth rates and spread the awareness of nutrition and health.
Preliminary Outcomes Include:
- Increased uptake of antenatal services.
- Awareness of proper nutrition practices.
- Positive behavioral changes in breastfeeding and complementary feeding.
Challenges and the Way Forward
Benazir Nashonuma Program faceing many challenges including:
- Reaching remote and conflict-affected areas.
- Ensuring adequate supply chains for nutritional supplements.
- Addressing deep-rooted cultural barriers to health practices.
To increase its impact, the program needs strong inter-sectoral coordination, sustained funding, and community engagement. Partnerships with NGOs, local health departments, and international agencies will play an important role.
Conclusion
The Benazir Nashonuma Program is a good step to control the public health challenges in Pakistan. This was important to breake the cycle of manutrution and poverty. To long term successof this vital program there are strategic,scaling and effective monitoring will play important role.