2nd National Social Protection Conference is a milestone in coordinated social protection efforts: Naveed Akbar

Health

Benazir Nashonuma Programme Delivers Landmark Gains in Fight Against Child Malnutrition

The Benazir Nashonuma Programme, implemented under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), is Pakistan's flagship nutrition intervention for pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under two years of age. Launched in 2020, the programme provides integrated nutrition, health, behaviour change, and conditional cash support during the critical first 1,000 days of life. An independent impact evaluation released in 2026 found that the programme has achieved significant improvements in maternal and child health, including reductions in child stunting, low birth weight, preterm births, and anaemia, making it one of the most impactful nutrition programmes globally. To date, it has reached more than 4.6 million women and children through a nationwide network of facilitation and stabilization centres.

ISLAMABAD

National Policy Guidelines on Vulnerable Groups in Disasters 2025

Pakistan’s National Policy Guidelines on Vulnerable Groups in Disasters (2025, published 2026) provide a comprehensive framework to ensure that disaster risk management systems are inclusive, shock-responsive, and sensitive to the needs of vulnerable populations. The policy emphasizes anticipatory action, integration of social protection with disaster management, and targeted support for marginalized groups.

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Highlights - 2nd National Social Protection Conference