ISLAMABAD: Pakistan was presented as a model to countries attending the World Health Assembly (WHA) as the first nation to conduct Joint External Evaluation of Core Capacities to respond to disease outbreaks and level of preparedness to deal with pandemics.

The recognition came at a special session on International Health Regulations at the World Health Assembly in Geneva on Saturday, according to a press release.

The session was chaired by Finland and Australia and delegates from 59 countries participated in it. Pakistan’s Joint External Evaluation exercise was presented as a model for other nations to follow.

Pakistan had initiated the exercise in early 2016 across the country with a team of international public health experts and completed it late last year.

Eight different core capacities were evaluated in the year-long process. Pakistan’s Director General of Health Dr Assad Hafeez made a presentation, elaborating the entire process.

Minister for National Health Services Saira Afzal Tarar, who is leading Pakistan’s delegation, said that transparency had been the hallmark of health reforms in the country which had been recognised at this prestigious global forum.

She said that Pakistan was ready to share its experience with any country desirous of strengthening their core capacities as part of the Global Health Security Agenda.

Published in Dawn, May 22nd, 2017