Islamabad: Pakistan’s government has unveiled a National Action Plan for Health Security (2024-28) aimed at strengthening the country’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to public health emergencies. This five-year strategy was presented by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, with participation from national and international stakeholders.

According to Press Information Department, the action plan was launched at an event attended by key officials including Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Health, and Mr. Nadeem Mahbub, Federal Health Secretary. The plan emphasizes a One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health to bolster Pakistan’s health security and prepare for threats such as pandemics. The Deputy British High Commissioner, Mr. Andrew Dalgleish, highlighted the UK’s support in developing a resilient health system in Pakistan.

The plan, developed with assistance from the UK’s Evidence for Health Programme, incorporates input from various sectors, including government departments and international partners like WHO and USAID. It builds on a 2023 Joint External Evaluation and stresses the need for an International Health Regulations monitoring mechanism. Mr. Mahbub underscored the importance of coordinated federal and provincial efforts to manage immediate and long-term health risks, while WHO praised the plan’s comprehensive approach to emergency preparedness.