Islamabad: In a significant effort to combat malnutrition and stunting in Pakistan, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) have entered into a $6.257 million partnership. The agreement was formalized at the BISP headquarters in Islamabad, setting the stage for targeted nutritional interventions across the country.

According to World Health Organization, the initiative will focus on providing lifesaving treatments to severely acute malnourished children with medical complications and promoting breastfeeding and nutrition education for mothers and caregivers. The agreement was signed by BISP Secretary Amer Ali Ahmad and WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Pakistan Dr. Luo Dapeng, in a ceremony attended by notable figures including BISP chair Ms. Rubina Khalid and other senior officials.

Ms. Khalid emphasized the crucial support of WHO in delivering vital medical care and highlighted the collaboration as a milestone for BISP in improving the welfare of its beneficiaries. Dr. Dapeng expressed gratitude towards BISP for the partnership and committed to a substantial outreach, planning to treat over 75,000 malnourished children and advance breastfeeding to help prevent stunting—a significant health concern endorsed by the Pakistani government.

The collaboration marks a proactive step toward enhancing the health and nutrition of Pakistan’s children, promising considerable improvements in public health outcomes.