Islamabad: “Every child deserves clean water and a healthy future,” declared Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Federal Minister of State for the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (MoNHSR and C), during the inauguration of the First National Health Preparedness and Resilience Conference on Diarrheal Diseases in Islamabad.
The two-day event, organized by the National Institute of Health (NIH), convenes senior representatives from federal and provincial health departments, as well as development partners like the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and World Health Organization (WHO). The aim is to address the ongoing burden of diarrheal diseases and bolster Pakistan’s defenses against infectious disease threats.
In his keynote, Minister Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad reinforced Pakistan’s dedication to the International Health Regulations (IHR) framework. He referenced the Joint External Evaluation (JEE 2023), which highlighted the necessity for strengthening health capacities under the National Action Plan for Health Security (2024-2028).
Dr. Malik Mukhtar identified key government strategies to combat diarrheal diseases, which remain a leading cause of illness and death among children under five in the country. These strategies include improving disease surveillance systems, expanding vaccine coverage, promoting household-level WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) practices, and enhancing cross-sector collaboration.
The NIH was praised for its crucial role in expanding laboratory networks and integrating surveillance systems. The Minister also called for increased domestic health financing and encouraged development partners to align their support with national priorities.
Addressing broader health issues like COVID-19 and the emerging Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath highlighted the need for real-time surveillance and effective border health controls.
“This conference is more than just dialogue, it is a renewed call to action,” he concluded, emphasizing the collective responsibility to ensure a healthier future for every child in Pakistan.