Pakistan faces an alarming malnutrition crisis, with 40.2% of children experiencing stunting, 28.9% being underweight, and 17.7% suffering from wasting. These figures place Pakistan among the countries with the highest burdens of child malnutrition in the region. The early years of a child’s life are crucial a window of 1,000 days that shapes their physical and cognitive development. Investments in this vital period lay the foundation for not only individual potential but also national economic growth.
To address these challenges, the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) launched the Benazir Nashonuma Program, a Conditional Cash Transfer intervention aimed at supporting maternal and child nutrition during these critical early years. Here’s everything you need to know about the initiative, its objectives, and how you can check online registration.
What is the Benazir Nashonuma Program?
The Benazir Nashonuma Program is focused on reducing stunting and improving maternal and child health outcomes in Pakistan. This program provides financial incentives to pregnant and lactating women (PLW) and children under the age of two, helping vulnerable families access essential health and nutrition services.
Objectives of the Program
The key goals of the Nashonuma Program are:
- Prevent stunting in children under the age of two.
- Support healthy weight gain in pregnant and lactating women.
- Combat anemia and micronutrient deficiencies.
- Raise awareness about maternal and early childhood nutrition.
- Reduce disease burden by improving access to health services.
- Prevent low birth weights in newborns.
By achieving these goals, the program aligns with Pakistan’s commitment to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to eradicating poverty, improving maternal and child health, and reducing inequalities.
How the Benazir Nashonuma Program Works
The program operates on a Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) model, which incentivizes mothers to take specific actions aimed at improving their well-being and their children’s. Below are the major features of the program:
- Financial Support
Pregnant and lactating mothers receive PKR 2,000 per quarter for male children and PKR 2,500 per quarter for female children. These funds are conditional upon their participation in health and nutrition programs.
- Health Commitments
Families must ensure regular antenatal health checks, attend nutrition awareness sessions, consume specialized nutritious food (SNF), and complete immunizations and health checks for their children.
- Women-Focused Approach
By offering a higher cash incentive for female children, the program addresses gender disparities in access to care and resources.
Program Coverage
The Benazir Nashonuma Program was initially piloted in 14 districts and has since expanded nationwide. It now operates in 158 districts, with a network of 512 Nashonuma Centers, including mobile outreach sites. To date, over 1,275,800 individuals have benefited from the program, including 645,800 pregnant women and 630,000 children.
Why the Benazir Nashonuma Program Matters
Malnutrition, especially stunting, has far-reaching consequences. It affects not only physical growth but also neurological development, housing long-term implications for educational achievement and workforce productivity. Ensuring good nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life is considered one of the most cost-effective interventions for breaking the cycle of poverty and improving overall human well-being.
This program represents a critical effort to transform not just the lives of individual beneficiaries but entire communities by:
- Tackling the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition.
- Saving young lives and helping people live longer, healthier lives.
- Building human capital to drive economic development.
How to Check Your Benazir Nashonuma Registration Online
If you are a BISP beneficiary interested in joining the Nashonuma Program or checking your registration status, here’s how you can do it online:
- Visit the Official Website
Navigate to the BISP’s official website to access their services and updates.
- Go to the Nashonuma Program Section
Look for the Benazir Nashonuma Program in the list of services. Click on it to find details about the program and registration information.
- Enter Required Details
You will need to enter your CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) number to check your eligibility or registration status.
- Follow Additional Instructions
If you’re eligible, you may be guided through further steps, including locating Nashonuma Centers or connecting with mobile registration units in your area.
For additional assistance, you can visit the nearest Nashonuma Center in your district or reach out to the BISP help desk for clarification.
Inspiring Progress, One Family at a Time
The Benazir Nashonuma Program showcases the power of targeted interventions in addressing malnutrition and boosting public health outcomes. Through financial aid, nutrition support, and increased awareness, the program is making a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of families across Pakistan preventing stunting, improving maternal health, and prioritizing the needs of female children.