Islamabad (TDI): The International Conference on Sustainable Health Systems and Resilience: Challenges and Opportunities arranged by the US-Pakistani social and human development organization Manhattan Strategy Group in collaboration with partner organizations, successfully concluded on Tuesday at COMSTECH, Islamabad.
The one-day event highlighted the critical role of public health workers in Pakistan and explored challenges and opportunities in building resilient health systems.
The conference was inaugurated by Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, who commended the organizers for their commitment.
In his opening address, Dr. Bharath stressed the urgency of strengthening Pakistan’s health systems in the face of global health security threats and climate change.
He also reflected on the devastating impacts of the 2022 floods, which exposed gaps in healthcare delivery, and advocated for improved primary healthcare access, health insurance schemes, and a collaborative One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health.
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The event featured keynote addresses from international experts, including Dr. Erin Sorrell from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, who emphasized innovative approaches to addressing health crises, and Dr. Hammad Ali from the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), who discussed integrating public health strategies into community health initiatives.
Prof. Dr. Aamer Ikram, Country Representative of the Manhattan Strategy Group, underscored the link between public health and national security.
Key Topics Discussed
Five technical sessions explored key topics such as health system strengthening, universal health coverage, public-private partnerships, data integration, and climate resilience.
Participants, including health professionals, government officials, and international experts, discussed the need for robust data systems to guide policy and the importance of climate resilience in public health planning.
During the conference, Shezad Habib, President and Founder of the Manhattan Strategy Group, officially launched the organization’s platform in Pakistan, aimed at enhancing focus on healthcare challenges and fostering partnerships with government and private sectors.
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Salik Malik, Vice President of International Development at MSG, conducted the proceedings.
The conference concluded with a call to action for sustained collaboration and investment in building resilient and sustainable health systems in Pakistan, with a focus on translating the insights gained into future policy efforts.
