ISLAMABAD: The World Food Programme (WFP) on Tuesday assured that it would extend all possible cooperation for Benazir Income Support Programme’s (BISP) efforts to improve nutrition and education initiatives for the poor.

The commitment was made during a meeting between WFP Country Director Coco Ushiyama and BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid. They discussed various aspects of collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing nutrition and education for BISP beneficiaries.

Discussions centred on the School Meal Programme, the development of a Nashonuma Dashboard, data sharing, and the repurposing of Nashonuma centers into counselling hubs for maternal and child health. WFP Deputy Country Director Rathi Pala Krishnan and BISP Director General Dr Asim Ijaz also attended the meeting.

Ms Khalid stressed “the importance of ensuring quality Specialised Nutritious Food under the Nashonuma program,” highlighting its role “in reducing stunting among children and improving maternal health.” She also discussed starting health initiatives under the Nashonuma programme in the newly merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Published in Dawn, May 14th, 2025