Islamabad: In a significant step towards bolstering public health systems, Pakistan and the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have expanded their collaborative efforts, focusing on disease surveillance, digital innovation, and comprehensive health reforms. Federal Minister for Health, Mustafa Kamal, met with Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor of UKHSA, to explore ongoing and new avenues of partnership, as confirmed by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination.

The meeting underscored mutual interests in enhancing public health response mechanisms. Minister Kamal thanked UKHSA for its support in strengthening Pakistan’s Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system and the implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR) framework.

The UK government’s backing has led to the establishment of a national IDSR system, which aims to improve early detection and rapid response to disease outbreaks. Since 2016, UKHSA has been a pivotal partner, contributing to the training of 15,000 primary healthcare physicians in Pakistan on IDSR protocols.

Minister Kamal highlighted recent healthcare reforms, including a telemedicine initiative designed to digitize primary and secondary healthcare services nationwide. He introduced the ‘One Patient, One ID’ system aimed at integrating patient care through digital tracking and data sharing.

Professor Hopkins shared insights from the UK on leveraging digital health technologies and expressed UKHSA’s readiness to support Pakistan’s initiatives. She confirmed their commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s IHR capacities and data management systems.

The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing on the importance of enhancing national-level health data systems and continuing IHR-related initiatives to prevent disease outbreaks. Minister Kamal also noted efforts to reinforce local vaccine manufacturing and the capacity of the National Institute of Health.

The collaboration reflects a mutual commitment to building a resilient and technology-enabled public health infrastructure in Pakistan, with dedicated funds allocated for the surveillance and control of diseases such as hepatitis C.