Islamabad, At a session of the World Economic Forum focused on global health, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for urgent action to bridge the growing disparity between the Global North and South in terms of health resources and facilities. He highlighted the profound inequities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in vaccine distribution and healthcare provision.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the disproportionate impact of climate change on countries like Pakistan, which contribute minimally to global emissions yet face severe consequences such as the devastating floods of 2022. He discussed the financial challenges faced by developing nations in securing aid, often offered in the form of costly loans, which they struggle to afford.
The Prime Minister shared insights from his tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab, where he launched significant health initiatives, including a comprehensive Hepatitis screening and treatment program and the establishment of a major kidney and liver hospital providing free treatment. He also referenced the 2011 Dengue outbreak in Punjab, noting the successful mobilization of civil society in response.
Further, Prime Minister Sharif lauded the health sector contributions of Saudi leaders King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and acknowledged the support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, particularly in polio eradication efforts in Pakistan and the humanitarian response to the 2022 floods.
World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also spoke at the forum, stressing the importance of global cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and address high maternal and child mortality rates. He highlighted that significant portions of the global population lack access to essential health services, underscoring the need for increased investment in the health sector.
Participants at the session also expressed concerns over how global conflicts exacerbate health crises, urging resource-rich countries to assist those in need more actively.