WFP AND PAKISTAN RENEW COMMITMENT TO TACKLE MALNUTRITION WITH EXTENDED BISP
ISLAMABAD: – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Pakistan marked the extension of their partnership under the Benazir Nashonuma Programme (BNP) at a ceremony held at the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) headquarters.
The event underscored the unparalleled commitment of the Pakistani Government to prevent malnutrition and stunting. It also celebrated the successes of the programme to date.
BNP remains the largest government-funded programme in WFP’s global history. The new agreement from September 2024 to June 2026 represents a contribution of US$ 194 million from the Government of Pakistan to WFP, bringing the total investment in BNP to almost half a billion (US$453 million) since 2020.
“The Government of Pakistan is proud to strengthen this vital partnership with WFP. Our commitment to the Benazir Nashonuma Programme remains unwavering, and we are dedicated to expanding its reach and effectiveness to ensure that every child in Pakistan has the opportunity for a healthy start in life, setting the foundation for a brighter and more prosperous future”, said Rubina Khalid, Chairperson BISP at the event.
Launched in 2020, the Benazir Nashonuma Programme (BNP) has become a cornerstone in the fight against chronic malnutrition, particularly stunting, among Pakistan’s most vulnerable populations. Operating under BISP, the country’s largest social protection programme, BNP specifically targets households with pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under the age of two.
With WFP’s expertise, the programme is delivered through over 550 facilitation centers across the country. It provides a comprehensive package of nutrition-sensitive interventions, including specialized nutritious food, maternal and child health services, immunization, and cash transfers.
“As the programme evolves and expands, it has a multiplier effect -strengthening partnerships and supporting an integrated approach towards women and children. WFP remains proud of these shared successes and is committed to furthering Pakistan’s development goals toward a food and nutrition secure future for all”, said Coco Ushiyama, WFP’s Country Director in Pakistan.
The extension of BNP is a testament to the successful outcomes achieved so far, with reductions in stunting and low birthweight among targeted populations. As of October 2024, the programme has reached over 2.5 million women and children across 157 districts out of 170 districts, with over 389,000 beneficiaries having graduated from the programme.
WFP’s partnership with the Government of Pakistan for BNP is serving as a model for global collaboration in nutrition and social protection. The programme’s success has invoked global interest from other countries, positioning Pakistan as a leader in leveraging social safety nets for nutrition security.
