The consultative meeting played a pivotal role in finalizing an action plan aligned with International Health Regulations 2005, focusing on diagnosis, control, & treatment of diseases.
A three-day consultative session led by the Technical Group in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, under the leadership of Director General Health Services, marked a significant step in determining the Health Security Action Plan for the period 2024-2028.
The workshop, attended by key stakeholders including Chief Centre for Disease Control NIH Pakistan, Dr. Mumtaz, Deputy Directors, Project Directors from the Department of Health, representatives from the National Health Institute, and technical teams from the World Health Organization, aimed to address health security challenges in the region.
The collaborative efforts for this initiative were facilitated through the joint cooperation of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-JSI, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Ministry of Health. The consultative meeting played a pivotal role in finalizing an action plan aligned with the International Health Regulations 2005, focusing on the diagnosis, control, and treatment of diseases.
In his closing remarks, Director General Health Services, Dr. Shaukat Ali, expressed gratitude to all participants for their active engagement in the consultative meeting. He highlighted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is leading in the implementation of International Health Regulations in the Pakistan EMRO region, making it the first province to do so. Dr. Shaukat Ali thanked all stakeholders for their technical assistance in achieving this milestone.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Centre for Disease Control NIH Pakistan, Dr. Mumtaz, acknowledged that at the national level, a comprehensive National Action Plan for Health Security has been established. He commended Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for consistently taking the lead in formulating action plans for the provinces and appreciated the province’s proactive approach in this regard.
The technical team from the World Health Organization emphasized the need for Pakistan, as a signatory to the International Health Regulations, to enhance its capacity in 19 thematic areas within the health sector. Two days of intensive discussions and consultations were dedicated to addressing these thematic areas, ensuring a comprehensive and well-rounded approach to health security.
The consultative session not only aimed at developing a Health Security Action Plan for the coming years but also highlighted the importance of collaboration, technical assistance, and proactive measures in addressing health challenges.
The active participation of key stakeholders and the commitment to international health regulations position Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a leader in the implementation of health security measures, setting a precedent for other provinces and regions to follow. The province’s efforts in formulating a comprehensive action plan reflect a commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring a robust response to emerging health threats.