Benazir Nashonuma Program 2023 New Update

Addressing Malnutrition and Stunted Growth in Children

Benazir Nashonuma Program was launched to to address the high rates of malnutrition and stunted growth of children under the age of two. Approximately 50% of children under the age of five suffer from stunted growth. Nearly 29% of children under the age of five are underweight. Around 17.7% of children under the age of five experience wasting. These figures rank Pakistan among the countries facing a significant burden of child malnutrition. The early years of children are of utmost importance for the development of their brains and bones, playing a pivotal role in shaping their overall life trajectory. Untreated malnutrition can be a fatal condition with life-threatening consequences.

Objectives of the Benazir Nashonuma Program

The main objectives of the Benazir Nashonuma Program are:

1. Preventing stunting in children under two years of age.
2. Enhancing weight gain of pregnant women during pregnancy.
3. Reducing anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies.
4. Increasing awareness of maternal and early child health and nutrition.
5. Decreasing disease burden through improved uptake of available health and nutrition services.
6. Preventing low birth weight of newborns.
   

Eligibility Criteria

1. Beneficiary Status: The Program is available to families who are already beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).
2. Pregnant and Lactating Women (PLW): The program is targeted towards pregnant and lactating women in the BISP beneficiary families.
3. Age of Children: The children who are intended to benefit from the program should be under 2 years of age.
4. Gender of Child: For each boy born in the family, the mother is entitled to receive an additional cash amount of PKR 2,000 per quarter. For each girl, the mother is entitled to receive PKR 2,500/- per quarter.
5. Commitment to Conditions: To receive the cash support, the mothers must commit to fulfilling certain conditions, which include:
   • Attending regular health checks during pregnancy.
   • Participating in awareness sessions during pregnancy to promote maternal and child health.
   • Ensuring the consumption of specialized nutritious food (SNF) during pregnancy and lactation.
   • Taking their children for immunization and regular health checkups.

How to register in Benazir Nashonuma Program

To register for the Benazir Nashonuma Program, you need to follow these steps:

1. Contact your District Nashonuma Centres .
2. Provide the necessary information such as your name, contact details, and household information.
3. Attend the assessment interview with a program representative to determine eligibility.
4. Once confirmed eligible, the program will provide you with a Benazir Nashonuma card.
5. Use the card to access free nutritious food, health check-ups, and other related services at designated program centers.

It is important to note that the program is primarily designed for pregnant and lactating mothers and children under the age of two who are at risk of malnutrition.