The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has rolled out the “Nashonuma” (Growth/Nurturing) Programme nationwide to combat child stunting and improve maternal health.
Developed in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, and WHO, the initiative addresses Pakistan’s alarming nutrition crisis, where 40.2% of children face stunting, 28.9% are underweight, and 17.7% suffer from wasting—placing the country among the worst-affected in the region.
Key Objectives
- Prevent stunting in children under two.
- Improve maternal nutrition and reduce anaemia.
- Address micronutrient deficiencies.
- Promote maternal and child health awareness.
- Boost access to health and nutrition services.
Conditional Cash Support
To encourage healthcare uptake during the crucial first 1,000 days of a child’s life, BISP offers quarterly cash transfers:
- Rs2,500 for each pregnant or lactating woman and each male child under two.
- Rs3,000 for each female child under two (including Rs500 transport allowance).
In return, mothers must attend antenatal checkups, participate in awareness sessions, ensure child immunization, and consume specialized nutritious food (SNF) provided under the programme.
This support is in addition to regular BISP Kafalat payments.
Eligibility
- Must be registered under BISP Kafalat.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women with children under two years.
Registration Process
Eligible women can register at their nearest Nashonuma Centre, located in Tehsil (THQ) or District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospitals, with:
- CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card).
- Child’s B-Form (NADRA).
- Child’s vaccination/immunization card.
