Impact of Benazir Nashonuma Program (BNP) on Maternal and Child Nutritional Status

Launched by AGA KHAN UNIVERSITY · Apr 28, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at the impact of the Benazir Nashonuma Program (BNP) on the health of pregnant women and their babies in low-income areas of Pakistan. The main goal is to see if the program, which provides special nutritious food and health support during pregnancy, can help reduce the number of babies born with low birthweight and decrease stunting (which means children are shorter than they should be for their age). The study will track two groups of pregnant women: those who are part of the BNP and those who are not, to compare their outcomes.

To be part of this study, women need to be in their first or second trimester of pregnancy. Those who are enrolled in the BNP will receive the nutritious food and support, while those not enrolled will not receive these benefits. The study will follow the women from pregnancy through to one year after their baby is born, checking to see how well the program works in improving health for both mothers and their children. Importantly, women who plan to move for more than three months or who are already getting similar nutrition from other sources will not be included in the trial.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Intervention arm: All pregnant women in their first or second trimester, who are enrolled in Benazir Nashonuma Program (BNP).
• • Non-intervention arm: All pregnant women in their first or second trimester, who are not enrolled in Benazir Nashonuma Program (BNP).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Women who intend to migrate or relocate for more than 3 months during the study period will be excluded from the study.
• • Women in the non intervention group who are consuming specialized nutritious food (SNF) from any source at the time of enrollment will be excluded from the study.