BISP initiates programme to eradicate malnutrition

Nashonuma centres to be opened in 119 districts, says minister

KARACHI:

Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety and Chairperson BISP Shazia Atta Marri said that the government is cognisant of the challenges being encountered by the lower and middle-income class due to the present economic situation as various measures were being taken for easing their difficulties.

Speaking to the media at the inauguration of Benazir Nashonuma Centre at Sindh Government Hospital, the federal minister said that an enormous number of children were facing the issue of malnutrition and stunting around the country.

In collaboration with World Food Programme, the Benazir Income Support (BISP) had initiated the programme under which 364 Nashonuma or growth centres would be opened in 119 districts across the country, where pregnant women registered with BISP would be provided facilities of nutrition-rich food supplements, quarterly medical checkups, cash assistance and health guidance, the minister said.

The project will be expanded to other district of the province. She said that the project was initially launched in the least developed districts of Thatta and Sujawal and later expanded to 15 underdeveloped districts of the country.

The minister stressed other provinces to replicate the Sindh government's measures so that the maximum number of deserving women could be covered and issues of malnutrition could be addressed effectively.

On a question about blasphemous acts in Sweden, the federal minister condemned the act and urged the European Union (EU) to take appropriate measures to prevent such acts, which not only hurt the sentiments of millions of Muslims but all the democratic and politically aware citizens all around the world.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 31^st, 2023.