ISLAMABAD by IMTISAL BUKHARI
Pakistan has achieved a significant milestone in the battle against malnutrition, as revealed in an independent mid-term evaluation conducted by the Aga Khan University’s Institute for Global Health and Development. According to the report, the Benazir Nashonuma Program, under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), has successfully reduced stunting in children by 6.4%, marking one of the most notable achievements ever recorded in large-scale nutrition interventions globally.
The evaluation highlights considerable improvements in birth outcomes, child development, and maternal health among program beneficiaries. The findings were presented during a high-level event attended by representatives from BISP and federal and provincial health departments.
The study revealed that the prevalence of stunting in children under five among beneficiaries was 6.4% lower compared to non-beneficiaries. Additionally, low birth weight cases decreased by 5.6%, and severely underweight births dropped by 7-8% in districts where the program was implemented—an achievement rarely seen in global nutrition programs.
One key finding was a 20% reduction in stunting at six months of age among children whose mothers enrolled in the program early in pregnancy and continued participation during breastfeeding.
If these results are sustained in the 2026 endline evaluation, they will represent not only a national but also a global breakthrough in tackling child malnutrition.
Additional improvements were observed in early initiation of breastfeeding, vaccination coverage, and antenatal care utilization.
BISP Chairperson Applauds Evidence-Based Success
Speaking on the occasion, BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid stated that the results are clear evidence that integrating social protection with nutrition interventions leads to meaningful outcomes for poor women and children. She emphasized that scaling up the program is essential for reducing the burden of malnutrition and improving Pakistan’s human capital.
“We believe that healthy mothers are the foundation of a healthy nation,” she said.
“Pakistan’s success proves to the world that solving large-scale malnutrition is not only possible but effective.”
Scientific Backing and Global Collaboration
Dr. Zulfiqar Bhutta from Aga Khan University emphasized the importance of early-stage nutrition investment for future generations.
“The Nashonuma Program has shown measurable success in reducing stunting, improving birth weight, and enhancing maternal and child health. These are some of the best results recorded globally,” he said.
Launched in 2020, the Benazir Nashonuma Program has reached over 3.5 million women and children across 156 districts through more than 540 centers nationwide. The program is based on scientific evidence, including rigorous trials conducted from 2014 to 2019, and includes:
- Antenatal and postnatal care
- Immunizations
- Nutrition education and behavior change
- Treatment of severe malnutrition
- Conditional cash transfers
- Locally produced nutritional supplements
It is implemented with support from UN agencies, including the World Food Programme (WFP), World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF.
Ongoing Challenges Despite Progress
Despite these achievements, Pakistan continues to face a severe nutrition crisis. Nearly 40% of children under five suffer from stunting, 28% are underweight, and over 50% are affected by anemia or other deficiencies. These issues have long-term impacts on child development, learning abilities, and productivity.
As South Asia’s largest social protection program, BISP holds a unique position in addressing these issues. The mid-term evaluation confirms that the Benazir Nashonuma Program not only delivers strong national outcomes but also offers valuable global evidence for improving child nutrition and health.
