ISLAMABAD: In a groundbreaking initiative, Pakistan on Wednesday hosted the first-ever Global Health Security Summit (GHSS) in which delegates from 70 countries, international health leaders, experts, officials from leading health organisations, technical experts, global partners, donors and stakeholders discussed the critical challenges posed by global health threats.

The two days summit, organised under the theme “Together for a Healthy Planet”, aims to foster international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and strategic partnerships to enhance global health security.

The Federal Minister for National Health Services (NHS) Dr. Nadeem Jan while inaugurating the Summit, stressed on a shared vision where health security is seen as a universal right and the strength of a nation’s health systems is measured not only by its capacity to respond to crises but also by its ability to prevent, detect, and mitigate health threats.

“The vision of the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) is not merely a theoretical construct; it is a shared commitment to building robust and resilient public health systems worldwide. Pakistan has been an ardent supporter of GHSA, steering collective efforts towards a safer and more secure world,” the minister added.

He further underscored the importance of multisectoral collaboration, where the interplay of health, environment, agriculture, and security is crucial.

During his remarks, Dr Nadeem Jan said: “the significance of our collective efforts cannot be overstated, especially against the backdrop of recent global health crises, including the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. We have witnessed the interconnectedness of our nations and the imperative of a unified response to emerging health threats. In the face of complex global health challenges, this summit serves as a beacon of collaboration and innovation. Together, we embark on a journey to strengthen our collective defenses, share knowledge, and chart a resilient course for the well-being of our nations.”

Federal Secretary Health Iftikhar Ali Shalwani underscored the importance of the summit and said that the summit symbolized unwavering commitment to furthering a safer world, where health security knew no borders.

“Our collective mission over the next two days is to chart a course toward a future where health security is not a privilege but a fundamental human right,” he added.

In second session, Dr Rana Mohammad Safdar led a panel of distinguished speakers in a discussion on Pandemic Preparedness and Response. The session featured insights from international experts, shedding light on essential attributes and strategies to enhance global health resilience.

Published in Dawn, January 11th, 2024