The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has taken a significant step in addressing child malnutrition in Pakistan by partnering with both UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO). These partnerships are part of the Benazir Nashonuma Programme by the Government of Pakistan, focusing on improving the health and nutrition of children and mothers across the country.
BISP Key Partnerships for Tackling Malnutrition
BISP has signed two important agreements with UNICEF and WHO to tackle malnutrition, particularly targeting children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and their mothers.
- UNICEF Agreement: This partnership focuses on Social Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) and the provision of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), which helps treat children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM).
- WHO Agreement: This collaboration aims to manage stabilization centers within District Headquarters Hospitals (DHQs), where children suffering from SAM with complications will receive specialized care.
These agreements were signed by Secretary Amer Ali Ahmad (BISP), Abdullah Fadil (UNICEF), and Luo Dapeng (WHO).
Objectives of the Partnership
The key goals of the BISP-UNICEF and WHO partnerships include:
- Community Awareness: Increasing awareness at the community level about malnutrition and its prevention.
- Nutrition Support: Providing life-saving nutrition support to children and mothers in need.
- Specialized Treatment: Offering specialized care to children suffering from malnutrition, particularly those with complications.
UNICEF’s Role in the Fight Against Malnutrition
Under the agreement with UNICEF, the focus is on two main areas:
- Social Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC): Educating communities about the importance of nutrition and how to prevent malnutrition in children and mothers.
- Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF): Supplying therapeutic food to treat severely malnourished children, helping them recover faster.
UNICEF’s Statement:
“Children living in poor communities and households must be prioritized in nutrition and social protection programs to ensure they can survive, grow, and reach their full potential,” said the UNICEF official.
WHO’s Role in Providing Medical Care
WHO’s involvement focuses on setting up and managing stabilization centers within District Headquarters Hospitals (DHQs). These centers will treat children suffering from SAM with complications, offering critical care and medical interventions.
WHO’s Statement:
“WHO is proud to partner with BISP in providing life-saving treatment to 75,000 severely malnourished children with medical complications. We are also promoting breastfeeding as a key strategy to prevent stunting,” said the WHO official.
BISP’s Commitment to Child and Mother Health
The Secretary of BISP, Amer Ali Ahmad, emphasized that this partnership is a landmark achievement in the effort to improve the well-being of the country’s most vulnerable populations. BISP remains committed to collaborating with both UNICEF and WHO to ensure that those most in need receive the support and care they deserve.
Conclusion
The partnership between BISP, UNICEF, and WHO represents a critical step forward in addressing the widespread issue of malnutrition among children and mothers in Pakistan. Through initiatives like Social Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC), the provision of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), and the establishment of stabilization centres, this collaboration aims to deliver life-saving care and nutrition support to those most in need. By prioritizing vulnerable communities, the Benazir Nashonuma Programme not only combats malnutrition but also paves the way for healthier, more resilient futures for children and mothers across the country. This joint effort demonstrates the power of coordinated action in achieving long-lasting improvements in health and nutrition for Pakistan’s most impoverished communities.