The World Health Organization (WHO) and Pakistan’s Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) met yesterday to expand the partnership through which they are providing each year life-saving treatment to 43 000 children under 2-years-old affected by severe acute malnutrition with medical complications. Currently, this service is being delivered in 169 nutrition stabilization centres (NSCs) across the country.

The meeting included a visit, ¬¬led by BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid and WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Dapeng Luo, to the stabilization centre located at the Federal Government Polyclinic, Islamabad.

"I am truly thankful to the World Health Organization for this valuable partnership. BISP is working across Pakistan, and with WHO’s support we aim to reach even more vulnerable families. We want to strengthen and expand our efforts so that no mother or child is left behind. When we work together, success becomes possible. We will continue to hold more interactive meetings and awareness sessions to reach people through counselling and support. Stunting is not just about physical growth – it also affects a child’s mental development. That’s why we must act early and work together with dedication. Healthy mothers and children are the foundation of a strong and prosperous Pakistan. This is not just an option – it is our responsibility," said BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid.