BISP, AKU Explore Possible Collaboration For Neonatal Health

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News -24th Sep,2016) : Agha Khan University (AKU) has joined hands with Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to execute neonatal health related activities for its beneficiaries all over Sindh.

Professor Dr. Rozina Karmaliani, Project Director, AKU leading a Agha Khan University Foundation delegation, said poor planning regarding the development of the social sector has led to food insecurity, health and malnutrition in Pakistan.

Dr. Rozina was accompanied with Director AKU, Imran, and other Agha Khan University Project representatives. Initially, they are intended to start from Thatta District where BISP beneficiaries should come to Basic Health Units (BHUs) for nurturing, health facilities to fight malnutrition, she briefed the meeting.

AKU Foundation screens children and creates awareness among parents regarding the benefits of improved nutrition and neonatal health. BISP Sindh and AKU will jointly assist children, pregnant and lactating women suffering from malnutrition to prevent stunting and micronutrient deficiencies.

The project is aimed to determine the prevalence of anxiety, depression and evaluate associated factors, including domestic violence, among pregnant women in an urban community in the country. The project will be initiated by AKU Foundation in collaboration with BISP `Waseela-e-Sehat' scheme which would help prevent stunting (chronic malnutrition), having primarily focusing at children, pregnant and lactating women in Thatta district of Sindh.

Director General BISP Sindh, Naeem Anwar briefed the delegation about the functions and operations of the BISP and more specifically on E-commerce, BBC's, Waseela-e-Sehat and Waseela-e-Taleem. The DG BISP appreciated the work plan of AKU Foundation and ensure for full cooperation and data sharing of BISP beneficiaries with field offices.