BISP-Population Council Agree to Collaborate on Maternal and Child Health

ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT): Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Senator Rubina Khalid emphasized the importance of meeting the basic health and nutritional needs of over 2.6 million pregnant and lactating mothers, as well as their children under two years of age, through the Benazir Nashonuma Programme. She highlighted the need for greater coordination between BISP and the Population Council to ensure sustainable and impactful health and nutrition outcomes for mothers and children.
Speaking during a meeting with Dr. Rana Hajjeh, President of the Population Council, and Dr. Zeba A. Sathar, Country Director of the Population Council, at BISP headquarters today, Senator Rubina Khalid stated, “The PMT (Proxy Means Test) limit for inclusion in the Nashonuma Programme in Balochistan has been increased from 32 to 60, allowing more deserving beneficiaries to avail of these essential services.”
During the meeting, the participants discussed a joint action plan aimed at addressing maternal and child health, nutrition initiatives, and awareness campaigns under the Benazir Nashonuma Programme. Senator Rubina Khalid stressed the need to create targeted audio and video messages to raise awareness among deserving women about health and nutrition.
Additional Secretary BISP Dr. Tahir Noor and Director General Dr. Asim Ijaz also attended the meeting. The discussion underscored the importance of engaging with key stakeholders, including the Health Department, to maximize outreach and program effectiveness.
Dr. Rana Hajjeh lauded the potential of BISP’s extensive database in identifying and reaching out to the deserved women and children for health and nutrition interventions. Dr. Zeba A. Sathar assured full support in providing technical and operational assistance to enhance health and nutrition services for BISP beneficiaries.