For 15 years, Hina has served as a Lady Health Visitor in Bahawalpur, Punjab, providing guidance to countless women ‒ whether at the clinic or in their homes ‒ on essential topics such as family planning, immunization and disease prevention. Now, with support from the NourishMaa campaign, Hina is poised to expand her impact, bringing new knowledge and skills to her community.

Launched in 2022, the NourishMaa campaign trains healthcare providers and frontline workers to enhance their knowledge of maternal nutrition and integrate nutrition counselling into their practices. This initiative is a collaborative effort by Nutrition International, Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination, provincial health departments, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Pakistan and the Pakistan Medical Association, with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

According to the National Nutrition Survey 2018, 42% of Pakistani women of reproductive age experience malnutrition. Half of all pregnant women are anaemic, and 38% are either overweight or obese. The prevalence of malnutrition among women of reproductive age and adolescent girls, compounded by complications from early marriages and closely spaced pregnancies, contributes to high rates of morbidity and mortality.

NourishMaa currently operates in the provinces of Sindh, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, aiming to reach 6,000 healthcare workers in districts with poor maternal health indicators. Since the campaign’s launch, more than 1,500 frontline health workers and 1,200 healthcare providers have completed training, while thousands more nationwide have engaged with NourishMaa’s educational content through social media, TV and radio spots, and podcasts.

In August 2023, Hina was among Bahawalpur’s many health workers to take part in the campaign’s interpersonal communication training component. Through one-on-one sessions and group workshops, she learned about key topics such as the causes of maternal malnutrition, nutritional needs at different life stages and the importance of a diverse diet. Designed to support frontline workers in providing comprehensive maternal nutrition care, the program also encouraged ongoing learning. In 2024, Hina took part in a day-long training session and continued to broaden her knowledge through NourishMaa’s WhatsApp groups. The WhatApp groups are used to share technical knowledge and updates on maternal nutrition.

“Before the NourishMaa training, I had limited knowledge of how to counsel women about the importance of maternal nutrition,” says Hina. “Now, I feel confident in advising them.”

From Bahawalpur herself, Hina understands the challenges families face in meeting their basic needs. Even when nutritious food is accessible, there is often limited awareness of the importance of a balanced diet let alone the need for essential micronutrients like iron and folic acid to support healthy pregnancies and positive birth outcomes.

“In Pakistan, iron-rich foods like dates and green vegetables are common, but people don’t always know how to consume them effectively,” she says, explaining that some foods are consumed in excess or else avoided altogether. Hina works closely with women, helping them integrate locally available, nutrient-rich foods into their diets, making the best use of the resources available within their villages. “Small changes can make a big difference in their immunity and overall health.”

One of her clients, Shabana, first visited the clinic for a pregnancy test. She arrived reporting physical weakness, Hina recalls. When the test confirmed the pregnancy, Hina helped to put her client at ease. She took a full history and learned that Shabana came from a remote village over an hour away from the nearest health facility, where access to basic amenities is limited. Her husband is a laborer with a small income, which they stretch to meet their household needs. Shabana shared that she had experienced miscarriages in previous pregnancies.

Based on Shabana’s medical reports, Hina diagnosed her with moderate anaemia, explaining that it was likely contributing to her weakness and could also pose risks for her pregnancy. After carefully reviewing the details of Shabana’s diet, she found that it lacked essential nutrients. Hina provided in-depth guidance for a balanced diet and recommended supplements for each trimester. She also encouraged Shabana to visit the clinic regularly for check-ups.

“When I learned about my pregnancy, I feared losing my baby again,” says Shabana. “But Hina gave me hope. She gave me advice on how to take care of my health, and I followed it.”

With adequate diet and appropriate dietary diversity adjustments in her daily meals, along with treatment for anaemia ‒ consumption of maternal supplementation through regular antenatal visits, Shabana gradually grew stronger. Though she faced challenges throughout her pregnancy, she benefited from timely detection and management of anaemia along with continuous support from Hina. In time, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy.

Now, her infant son in her arms, she continues to visit Hina at the clinic, eager for advice on breastfeeding and the best diet to support lactation.

As Hina broadens her understanding of maternal nutrition, her impact is extending beyond expectant mothers ‒ she also works to strengthen their support networks. She provides guidance to husbands and mothers-in-law on how to support a nutritious diet for their wives and daughters-in-law. This can reduce the need for hospital visits, she explains, because healthier mothers mean healthier babies.

Learn more about our work in Pakistan.

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