BISP Launches World Breastfeeding Week 2026, Highlights Major Push for Mother & Child Nutrition
ISLAMABAD, August 10, 2026: The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), in collaboration with UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, launched World Breastfeeding Week 2026 at BISP Headquarters in Islamabad.
The ceremony brought together senior government officials, development partners, healthcare professionals and nutrition experts to reaffirm their collective commitment to promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding as a key pillar of maternal and child health.
Addressing the event, BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid said breastfeeding is a natural and essential practice that gives children the healthiest possible start in life. She emphasized that breastfeeding contributes to child survival, family well-being, human capital development and national progress.
Senator Rubina Khalid encouraged mothers to exclusively breastfeed their infants during the first six months of life and cautioned against unnecessary reliance on formula milk and bottle feeding.
She also highlighted the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto for improving the health and well-being of women and children, particularly through initiatives such as the Lady Health Workers Programme.
According to the BISP Chairperson, the Benazir Nashonuma Programme continues this vision by supporting maternal and child nutrition and providing essential health and nutrition services to pregnant and breastfeeding women.
She said BISP has developed a mechanism to reach pregnant and lactating mothers during a critical period of their lives. While financial assistance remains important, she stressed that mothers also require reliable information, counselling, trust and access to quality healthcare and nutrition services.
UNICEF, WHO and WFP reaffirm support
Speaking at the ceremony, Pernille Ironside, UNICEF Country Representative, praised BISP’s leadership through the Benazir Nashonuma Programme. She emphasized that breastfeeding should begin within the first hour after birth and described a mother’s first milk as a child’s “first vaccine.”
Ellen Thom, Deputy Country Representative of WHO Pakistan, termed the Benazir Nashonuma Programme an effective example of integrating social protection with health and nutrition interventions. She reaffirmed WHO’s support for Pakistan’s efforts to improve maternal and child health.
Meanwhile, Thomas Conan, Deputy Country Director of WFP Pakistan, said breastfeeding is among the simplest and most cost-effective investments in maternal and child nutrition. He also highlighted its contribution to women’s empowerment and appreciated the partnership between WFP and BISP.
Earlier, Dr. Saba Shuja, Early Childhood Development Manager at UNICEF, presented an overview of the global theme and national campaign for World Breastfeeding Week 2026, highlighting the role of breastfeeding in healthy growth, child survival and long-term development.
BISP reaches 1.4 million active beneficiaries
A panel discussion titled “Protecting Breastfeeding through Social Protection Initiatives” was also held during the ceremony. Experts from BISP, UNICEF, WHO, WFP, the Ministry of National Health Services and the Pakistan Paediatric Association discussed ways to strengthen breastfeeding through integrated health, nutrition and social protection programmes.
During the discussion, Director General Conditional Cash Transfer Dr. Asim Ijaz briefed participants on the Benazir Nashonuma Programme and its impact on Pakistan’s nutrition ecosystem.
He said BISP is currently reaching 1.4 million active beneficiaries through 578 facilitation centres across the country, where beneficiaries receive counselling and referrals to health services, including antenatal care (ANC) and postnatal care (PNC).
Dr. Asim Ijaz added that the Benazir Nashonuma Programme is also spreading nutrition and breastfeeding awareness through 169 Nutrition Stabilization Centres.
He described the programme as a major success in reducing stunting and improving awareness about breastfeeding and maternal and child nutrition.
In his closing remarks, Additional Secretary BISP Dr. Asmat Nawaz thanked UNICEF, WHO, WFP, the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, and other partner organizations for their continued cooperation.
He reaffirmed BISP’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with development partners so that mothers and children across Pakistan can access the support, healthcare and nutrition services required for a healthy and productive future.
