25 September 2024, Islamabad – On 24 September, the World Health Organization signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).
The agreement covers the management of 169 nutrition stabilization centres at district headquarter hospitals and a number of tehsil headquarter hospitals across the country and paves the way for WHO to support the Government of Pakistan in implementing evidence-based interventions, including the provision of life-saving treatment to over 75 000 severely acutely malnourished children with medical complications and the promotion of breastfeeding as a key strategy to prevent stunting.
The signing ceremony at BISP headquarters in Islamabad was attended by BISP Chairperson Rubina Khalid, BISP Secretary Amer Ali Ahmed and BISP Director General Naveed Akbar. The MoU was signed by Dr Luo Dapeng , WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Pakistan, and BISP Secretary Amer Ali Ahmed.
Speaking at the event, BISP’s chairperson stressed the importance of WHO’s role in providing lifesaving medical care to the beneficiaries of the programme, saying: "We are committed to strengthening our partnership with WHO to ensure the fruits of this collaboration reach those who need it the most. Let’s work together for a healthier Pakistan.”
Dr Dapeng noted that stunting not only hampers physical growth but prevents children from reaching their full cognitive potential. WHO, he said, is committed to working with BISP to prevent stunting.
The 20-month long US$ 6.25 million project aims to improve the nutritional status and overall well-being of malnourished children and reduce stunting in Pakistan.
