The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has joined hands with UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) to tackle child malnutrition and improve the health of mothers and children in Pakistan. This partnership is part of the Benazir Nashonuma Programme, which focuses on providing essential nutrition and health services to vulnerable communities.
| Key Features of BISP Partnerships | Details |
| Collaborators | UNICEF and WHO |
| Main Focus | Child malnutrition and maternal health |
| Target Areas | Vulnerable communities across Pakistan |
| Program Benefits | Ready-to-use food, health services, and awareness |
Table of Content
Partnership with UNICEF
BISP’s agreement with UNICEF focuses on Social Behavior Change Communication (SBCC). This initiative aims to raise awareness in communities about the importance of nutrition and healthy habits. Additionally, UNICEF will provide Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), which is specifically designed to treat children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). By making this therapeutic food available, the partnership ensures that children receive life-saving nutrition support.
UNICEF Representative Abdullah Fadil emphasized that helping children in poor communities is a top priority. By working together, BISP and UNICEF aim to ensure that every child has a chance to grow healthy and strong.
Partnership with WHO
The collaboration with WHO is centered around the establishment and management of stabilization centers. These centers are located at District Headquarter Hospitals (DHQs) and will offer specialized care for children suffering from SAM with complications. These centers are crucial because they provide focused medical treatment to save the lives of children who are severely malnourished.
Dr. Luo Dapeng, WHO Representative in Pakistan, mentioned that this partnership aims to support 75,000 children suffering from severe malnutrition. In addition, promoting breastfeeding is seen as a key strategy to prevent stunting in children.
Importance of These Agreements
These agreements represent a major step forward in addressing child malnutrition in Pakistan. Malnutrition is a significant problem in the country, particularly in poor and rural areas. By partnering with UNICEF and WHO, BISP is working to improve the health of children and mothers, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations receive the support they need.
Senator Rubina Khalid praised the collaboration, stating that these partnerships will strengthen the impact of BISP’s efforts in improving nutrition and healthcare. The goal is to create long-lasting improvements in the health and well-being of children and mothers across the country.
- Focus on child and maternal health
- Provision of life-saving therapeutic food
- Specialized centers for severe malnutrition cases
- Promoting breastfeeding as a preventive measure
Community Awareness and Nutrition Support
One of the key elements of this partnership is increasing awareness about the importance of proper nutrition. Many families, especially in rural areas, lack knowledge about nutrition and healthy practices. Through the Social Behavior Change Communication initiative, BISP, along with UNICEF, will work to educate communities on the importance of nutrition for children’s growth and development.
At the same time, the distribution of therapeutic food (RUTF) ensures that children who are already malnourished get the necessary treatment to recover. This two-pronged approach of education and direct support is designed to have a long-lasting impact on reducing malnutrition rates in Pakistan.
The Role of BISP in Healthcare
BISP has been playing a crucial role in providing social protection to low-income families across Pakistan. By expanding its focus to include health and nutrition, BISP aims to tackle not just poverty, but also the health challenges that often come with it. This partnership with UNICEF and WHO is part of BISP’s larger effort to address the root causes of malnutrition and poor health in vulnerable communities.
Secretary of BISP, Amer Ali Ahmad, stated that this collaboration marks a significant moment for the organization. The partnership aims to deliver the best possible outcomes to those who need it most, ensuring that BISP beneficiaries receive both financial and health support.
Also Read: Women Protest Against Closure of BISP Centre in Muzaffargarh
Conclusion
The partnerships between BISP, UNICEF, and WHO are a major step forward in fighting malnutrition and improving maternal and child health in Pakistan. By providing both nutrition education and life-saving therapeutic food, these collaborations aim to make a lasting impact on the well-being of children and mothers across the country. Through initiatives like these, BISP continues to support the most vulnerable communities, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for all.