ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORTER
In a significant step towards addressing malnutrition and improving maternal and child health in Sindh, Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, met with Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho to discuss the integration of the Benazir Nashonuma Programme with provincial health initiatives.
The meeting focused on combating anemia among pregnant and lactating women, improving access to nutritional supplements, and strengthening population-related counseling services across the province.
Dr. Asim Aijaz, Director General of NSER and CCT (BISP), briefed the participants on a proposed new project by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The initiative aims to enhance healthcare services for pregnant and lactating women through collaborative efforts with national and provincial stakeholders.
Senator Rubina Khalid highlighted the positive impact of the Benazir Nashonuma Programme, which provides conditional cash transfers and targeted nutritional support to pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under the age of two. She emphasized the importance of close coordination with the Sindh Health Department to avoid duplication of services and expand outreach to underserved populations.
Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho reaffirmed the Sindh government’s commitment to improving maternal and child health indicators, particularly in rural and underserved areas. She also stressed the importance of involving the private sector to ensure sustainable and effective healthcare delivery.
Both leaders pledged to further strengthen collaboration between BISP and the Sindh Health Department to address maternal and child health challenges through a joint, multi-sectoral approach. They emphasized leveraging resources from the social protection and public health systems to benefit the most marginalized segments of society.
