ISLAMABAD: The British High Commission’s Development Director Ms Jo Moirb on Tuesday reaffirmed her country’ commitment to support Pakistan healthcare system.

“Through initiatives such as the Evidence for Health (E4H) programme and sustained support for polio eradication, we are dedicated to strengthening healthcare delivery in Pakistan and ensuring essential services reach those in need,” she remarked while meeting Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Malik Mukhtar Bharath.

According to a statement, the meeting was attended by Secretary Health Nadeem Mahbub, Director General (Health and Population) Dr Shabana Saleem and others.

Dr Bharath expressed his appreciation to the UK government for its enduring support through the Pak-UK Health Partnership, highlighting the transformative role of technical assistance in advancing Pakistan’s health and population goals.

“The UK government’s support has been invaluable in achieving key milestones in our health sector,” he noted, underscoring the positive impact of the partnership on health system resilience and service delivery.

Ms Jo Moir commended the strong partnership between the UK and Pakistan.

As part of the ongoing commitment, a high-level UK delegation is scheduled to visit Pakistan in near future to review the UK-Pakistan health partnership agreement signed in 2023. This review will focus on key areas including health systems strengthening, health security, and continued collaboration under the UK-Pakistan health agenda.

Addressing population growth and its impact on sustainable development remains a top priority. The President’s Task Force on Population is set to convene a strategic meeting this month, with a focus on integrating population strategies with health to enhance healthcare delivery.

DG Health said that the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has been granted membership in the task force, underscoring the UK’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in achieving its population and health objectives.

Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2024