LAHORE: Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU) Vice-Chancellor Prof Khalid Masood Gondal emphasized the urgent need to strengthen the health workforce with a focus on gender equality and health equity to achieve Pakistan’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to universal health coverage.

Speaking at a seminar on “Advancing Gender Equality, Human Rights, and Health Equity Mainstreaming across the Health Sector in Punjab” on Sunday, Dr Gondal highlighted that equipping healthcare professionals with essential knowledge is critical for promoting gender equality, human rights, and health equity in service delivery, particularly in primary healthcare. He called for multi-sectoral engagements and collaborations to address social determinants of health and ensure equity.

Dr Gondal also acknowledged the World Health Organization (WHO) for its support in involving academia, students, and faculty in this significant cause.

The seminar, attended by MBBS and postgraduate students, nursing students, faculty members, and the Lahore district health education team, was part of the Global 16 Days Campaign of Activism (Nov 25 to Dec 10). The campaign aims to raise awareness on various human rights issues, including the elimination of violence against women, the rights of persons with disabilities, World AIDS Day, and the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Head of the WHO Sub-Office Dr Jamshaid Ahmed said that despite significant progress over the past decade, half of Pakistan’s population still lacks access to essential health services. He stressed the importance of gender-responsive, equity-oriented, and human-rights-based approaches to meet Universal Health Coverage targets.

WHO Technical Officer Dr Irfan Ahmed presented national and international data on gender-based violence and its health implications, pointing out barriers to essential health services due to gender inequality, discrimination, and socio-economic factors. He noted the disproportionate impact on women, persons with disabilities (16% of the global population), refugees and migrants (12%), and Indigenous Peoples (6%).

Dr Varda Shafi, an FJJMU alumna, underlined the importance of including vulnerable groups in risk communication strategies. She stated that discrimination, human rights violations, poverty, and other determinants of health contribute to disparities, hindering access to quality healthcare and worsening physical and mental health outcomes.

Broadcast journalist and LCWU faculty member Dr Arsha Saleem Meer said that Pakistan will achieve ‘Health for All’ when policies systematically address the root causes of inequities and ensure everyone’s health needs are met.

She linked these efforts to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, which aim for universal access to quality health services without financial hardship.

WHO Technical Officer Dr Yahya Gulzar, Community Medicine Head at FJMU Dr Taskeen Zahra, HEO District Health Authority of Lahore Tahira Maryam and academician Dr Shehla Akram also delivered keynote speeches.

Published in Dawn, December 9th, 2024