The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) has provided essential health and nutrition services to a significant number of beneficiaries under the Benazir Nashonuma initiative. To date, this program has served a total of 1,081,167 women and children, comprising 549,076 pregnant and lactating women (PLW) and 532,091 children. The services have been delivered through an extensive network of 488 Nashonuma Centers nationwide.
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The Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) initiative, Benazir Nashonuma, was established in August 2020 with the aim of promoting the utilization of Health and Nutrition services among its beneficiaries. The key objectives of this program include the prevention of stunting in children under two years of age, enhancement of weight gain during pregnancy for expectant mothers, reduction of anemia and micro-nutrient deficiencies, and the prevention of low birth weight.
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The World Food Programme (WFP) serves as the lead implementing partner for Benazir Nashonuma. The program operates with the objective of addressing stunting in pregnant and lactating women (PLW) and their children under two years of age. It provides additional cash benefits, amounting to Rs. 2,000 per quarter per PLW and boy child, as well as PKR 2,500/- per quarter per girl child belonging to BISP beneficiary families.
In exchange for these cash incentives, mothers are required to adhere to specific conditions, including attending regular antenatal health check-ups and awareness sessions during pregnancy, incorporating specialized nutritious food (SNF) into their diets, and ensuring their children receive immunizations and regular health check-ups.
Statistics reveal alarming rates of malnutrition in Pakistan, with 40.2 percent stunting, 28.9 percent underweight, and 17.7 percent wasting among its population. These numbers position Pakistan as the second-highest burden country in the region in terms of malnutrition. Recognizing the significance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, this period presents a critical opportunity to lay a robust foundation for future development. Investments made during these early years significantly contribute to human capital, a vital driver of economic development in the modern era.
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Eligibility Criteria For Benazir Nashonuma Program:
The Benazir Nashonuma Program, aimed at combating chronic malnutrition, extends financial support to pregnant and lactating mothers as well as children under the age of two within beneficiary households. Under this program, boys receive Rs. 2,000, while girls receive Rs. 2,500.
To qualify for this financial assistance, women are required to undergo regular medical check-ups, actively participate in quarterly dietary awareness sessions, and ensure their children receive necessary immunizations.
Initially, this program was launched in 14 districts across the country, and due to its success, it has been expanded to cover the entire nation.
FAQs:
What is the Benazir Income Nashonuma program?
The Benazir Income Nashonuma program aims to address stunting in pregnant and lactating women (PLW) and their children under 2 years of age by providing additional cash support to BISP beneficiary families. This support amounts to PKR 2,000 per quarter per PLW and boy child, and PKR 2,500/- per quarter per girl child.
Who is eligible for Benazir income support?
To qualify for cash payments under BISP, families must have a monthly income of less than RS 6,000, equivalent to $67. Additional criteria require that families must include a female applicant with a valid ID card. Individual applicants must be widowed or divorced females without male family members.
What is the Benazir income support for children?
BISP’s Waseela-e-Taleem initiative conditions cash payments on school enrollment for children between the ages of 5 and 12. Families receiving cash payments are required to enroll their children in primary education. BISP also provides cash assistance for emergency relief efforts.