3.9 million beneficiaries enrolled in ‘Nashonuma Program’

The National Assembly was informed on Wednesday that 3.9 million beneficiaries have been enrolled nationwide in the “Nashonuma Program” over the past five years to address the issue of stunting.

Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Syed Imran Ahmad Shah told the House during Question Hour that the program includes 2 million children and 1.8 million pregnant women. He said the initiative has had a significant impact on reducing stunting among children.

According to a study, there has been a 6.4% reduction in stunting among children under the age of two years, and an enormous 20% reduction in stunting among children aged six months.

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The Minister added that the nutrition support program operates across 157 districts through 542 facilitation centres.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Climate Change Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal informed the House that a short-term plan has been formulated for climate action. She said 14 key interventions, to be implemented over a 242-day timeline, aim to enhance resilience ahead of next year’s monsoon season.

Shezra Mansab Ali outlined that the interventions include designing and piloting monsoon ponds in priority flood-prone districts, upgrading flood forecasting and warning systems, establishing an emergency logistics system, and integrating flood control, water management, and climate adaptation into provincial plans.

The National Assembly session concluded with the House being prorogued.