The health of a nation depends on the health of its mothers and children. Recognizing this, the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has significantly expanded its Nashonuma Program for 2026. This conditional cash transfer initiative is specifically designed to tackle the critical issue of stunting and malnutrition among pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under the age of two. By providing both financial support and nutritional supplements, the program is building a stronger foundation for the future of Pakistan.
Stunting is a major challenge in Pakistan, affecting nearly 40% of children. The Nashonuma program addresses this by ensuring that families have the resources and knowledge to provide proper nutrition during the first 1,000 days of a child's life, which is the most critical period for development.
How the Nashonuma Program Works
The program operates through specialized Nashonuma centers established at the Tehsil Headquarter (THQ) and District Headquarter (DHQ) hospitals across the country. Here is how the support is delivered:
- Health Check-ups: Pregnant and lactating women receive regular health screenings and prenatal/postnatal care.
- Nutritional Supplements: Specialized nutritious food (SNF) is provided to mothers and children to prevent deficiencies.
- Cash Incentives: Families receive a quarterly cash payment to help cover the costs of a healthy diet and travel to the health centers.
- Awareness Sessions: Mothers attend educational sessions on breastfeeding, hygiene, and balanced diets.
This holistic approach is similar to the targeted support provided by the BISP 8171 program, but with a specific focus on health outcomes.
Eligibility and Registration for 2026
The Nashonuma program is open to families who are already active beneficiaries of the BISP Kafalat program. If you are receiving the quarterly BISP payment and have a pregnant woman or a child under two in your family, you are eligible to enroll. The registration process is simple:
- Visit your nearest Nashonuma center located within a government hospital.
- Bring your original CNIC and the BISP card.
- For children, bring their birth certificate (B-Form) issued by NADRA.
- The staff will conduct a basic health assessment and register you in the program.
Once registered, the cash incentive is added to your regular BISP payment, which can be withdrawn through the new digital wallets being introduced this year.
Impact on Child Development
The first 1,000 days of life are a window of opportunity. Proper nutrition during this time ensures that a child develops physically and mentally to their full potential. By supporting mothers during pregnancy and the early years of childhood, the Nashonuma program is reducing the risk of lifelong health issues and improving the educational and economic prospects of the next generation.
This investment in human capital is as important as the investment in infrastructure, such as the Punjab Housing Scheme, as it ensures that the people living in those homes are healthy and productive.
Conclusion
The BISP Nashonuma Program 2026 is a vital safety net for the mothers and children of Pakistan. It is a testament to the government's commitment to social protection and public health. If you are an eligible family, make sure to take advantage of this program to ensure a healthy and bright future for your children. Remember, a healthy child is the greatest asset for any family and for the nation.