Balochistan combats severe malnutrition with new health program

Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province, faces severe poverty and malnutrition, with 71% of its population below the poverty line. Recent years have seen worsening conditions, including high unemployment and a mental health crisis, impacting children's health significantly. To address malnutrition, the government launched the Benazir Nashonuma Programme, providing food supplements and healthcare to pregnant women and children under two. This initiative has transformed health-seeking behavior in communities, with 83 health centers now offering essential services in high-need areas like Kech district. While the program has improved many lives, challenges remain. Long-term solutions require investment in healthcare, food security, and economic stability, particularly in rural areas where most of Balochistan's population lives.