The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has launched “Nashonuma” (Grooming) Programme in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

This programme is aimed at preventing stunting in children under two, improving maternal nutrition, reducing anemia and micronutrient deficiencies, raising awareness about maternal and child health, and increasing the use of health and nutrition services, according to sources.

A meeting organized by the World Food Programme (WFP) in collaboration with BISP, UNICEF, and WHO emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts.

The Zonal Director of BISP, Dr. Abdul Aziz Qureshi, highlighted the role of partnerships in achieving the Benazir Nashonuma goals.

Updates were provided on the progress of 28 Functional Centers (FCs) in AJK. WFP’s Nadeem Baig called for better integration of resources.

Also, World Health Organisation’s Nutrition Officer Dr. Lubna reported that four out of ten planned Nutrition Stabilization Centers (NSCs) are now operational, with training on severe acute malnutrition (SAM) scheduled after Ramzan.

UNICEF’s Jahanuddin discussed initiatives to strengthen the Lady Health Worker (LHW) program and enhance maternal and child nutrition through targeted training.

The Health Department praised BISP’s efforts, and key action points included data sharing, improved coordination, and addressing policy issues like birth registration fees for beneficiaries.

Dr. Qureshi concluded by reaffirming BISP’s commitment to improving nutrition and preventing stunting in AJK, with stakeholders optimistic about the program’s future impact.

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