AAGHOSH - Punjab Human Capital Investment ProjectPunjab Human Capital Investment Project

What is Aaghosh?

The gift of life is a precious blessing – and the health and well-being of a pregnant or lactating mother is vital to the health and growth of her little one. Evidence shows that the first 1,000 days (starting from a woman’s pregnancy till her infant’s 24 months) are the most critical to ensure a positive impact on the child’s cognitive and physical development. The Aaghosh Program, a component of Punjab Human Capital Investment Project (an initiative of PSPA, operating in 12 districts of Punjab), aims to improve maternal and newborn health, especially among poor and vulnerable households. This will enable a strong start in a child’s first two years.

What is the Eligibility for Aaghosh program?

Pregnant and lactating women, and mothers of children up to 2 years of age, who have a valid CNIC and belong to the 12 districts are eligible for the Aaghosh program. Bahawalpur, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Bhakkar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Mianwali, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Khushab, Layyah, Bahawalnagar and Lodhran.

How is the Aaghosh improving the Quality of Healthcare?

The Aaghosh program is working to increase access to and improve the availability of key healthcare services among poor and vulnerable households. Efforts are being made to sensitize health service beneficiaries through outreach, social mobilization and information dissemination campaigns, creating awareness and increasing demand for healthcare services to improve the quality of life of beneficiaries.

How does Aaghosh serve Beneficiaries?

The main purpose of this Program is to take care of the health and nutrition of mother and child, benefitting specifically pregnant women and lactating mothers of children under the age of 2. The Aaghosh program includes quarterly medical examinations of pregnant women, maternity procedures with trained staff, immunization courses for children under two years of age, birth registration, nutrition, hygiene and family planning awareness.

The Aaghosh Health & Nutrition Conditional Cash Transfer Program

The Aaghosh program is working to implement improved healthcare facilities, trained staff, immunization facilities to encourage women to opt for hospital-based deliveries. This has been actioned by implementing the Health & Nutrition Conditional Cash Transfer (H&N CCT) program, for eligible pregnant and lactating women with children up to 2 years of age. Pregnant and lactating mothers can be registered in the Aaghosh program via the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) App by Lady Health Visitors (LHVs) at public health facilities (Basic Health Units and Rural Health Centers), and receive Conditional Cash Transfers as per the schedule of visits listed below. These cash payouts are helpful in contributing to better nutrition for mothers, which in turn contributes to the baby’s health and well-being.

Conditional Cash Transfers up to Rs. 23,000/-