ISLAMABAD: The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation on Tuesday reaffirmed its support for the welfare initiatives of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). A representative of the Foundation, Dr. Anita Zaidi met with Chairperson BISP Rubina Khalid and assured that the ongoing partnership between the two organisations would continue.

Ms Rubina Khalid commended the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for its pivotal role in the success of the Nashonuma Conditional Cash Transfer programme. She emphasised that the ongoing partnership between BISP and the Foundation is crucial for advancing maternal and child health initiatives in Pakistan.

BISP chairperson appreciated the proposed idea and acknowledged the challenge of ensuring transparent payments to women beneficiaries while maintaining their dignity, stating, “BISP is committed to addressing this challenge and is actively consulting with the State Bank of Pakistan to adopt a transparent payment mechanism.”

The discussion also touched on the importance of raising awareness about digital and financial literacy among BISP beneficiaries. Senator Rubina Khalid reiterated BISP’s dedication to working closely with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation on key issues such as family planning, female health and education in Pakistan.

In addition to health initiatives, Senator Rubina Khalid highlighted BISP’s skill training programmes, which aim to enhance the well-being of beneficiary families by providing demand-driven, quality certifications to help them secure better employment opportunities abroad.

Dr. Anita Zaidi affirmed the Foundation’s unwavering support for BISP’s Maternal Nutrition Strategy and related health interventions, assuring continued collaboration in these essential areas.

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2024