Islamabad: In a significant endorsement of international collaboration, Senator Rubina Khalid, Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), praised the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for its substantial support in bolstering maternal and child health initiatives across Pakistan. This commendation came during a productive meeting with Dr. Anita Zaidi from the Foundation, focusing on the success of the Nashonuma Conditional Cash Transfer program.

According to Press Information Department, the meeting, held at the BISP headquarters, included discussions on innovative strategies to promote hospital births and ensure secure digital payments to beneficiaries. Key participants included Syed Ali Mehmood, Country Lead for the Foundation, and representatives from various sectors within BISP, such as digital and gender-focused programs.

Senator Khalid specifically appreciated the Foundation’s proposals, which aim to enhance hospital birth rates among Pakistani women by offering incentives and utilizing RAAST for secure digital payments. She noted the challenges in ensuring transparent and dignified transactions for women beneficiaries, stating that BISP is actively working with the State Bank of Pakistan to refine these payment mechanisms.

The discussions also covered the critical importance of digital and financial literacy for BISP beneficiaries, reinforcing the program’s commitment to comprehensive educational efforts. Furthermore, Senator Khalid underlined BISP’s initiatives beyond health, such as skill training programs that equip beneficiaries with quality certifications for better employment opportunities, both locally and internationally.

Dr. Anita Zaidi, on behalf of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, affirmed the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting BISP’s efforts in maternal nutrition and broader health strategies, ensuring continued partnership in these vital areas.