ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar called for an inclusive global health security framework to enable information sharing and collaborative emergency responses during the inaugural session of a major international health conference on Wednesday.
Pakistan is hosting its first-ever Global Health Security Summit to highlight the importance of funding mechanisms to support nations in need.
The two-day summit convened over 70 delegates, including global leaders, health professionals and civil society activists, to reach a consensus on solutions for a safer and healthier future.
“Our commitment should extend to establish global frameworks that facilitate information sharing, joint research, and collaborative strategies for an effective response during emergencies,” the prime minister said while addressing the gathering.
“Beyond national strategies, we need to explore mechanisms for global funding that can support nations in need, ensuring that no one is left behind in our pursuit of health security,” he continued.
The prime minister said unlike the developed world with established systems for timely responses to health emergencies, the developing world lacked robust systems due to their relatively weak health sectors.
He urged the establishment of a shared vision of a world where health security was not a privilege but a universal right.
“The establishment of an international network of health laboratories, sharing best practices and resources could serve as a linchpin in our collective defense against emerging threats,” he said.
In his address, Dr. Hani Jokhdar, the Saudi deputy health minister, said the kingdom had always believed in the importance of global health security preparedness and resilience while acknowledging the tools of the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA).
“In order for all member states and relevant organizations to implement public health policies, we need to keep the GHSA among our top priorities,” he said.
Pakistan’s Caretaker Health Minister Dr. Nadeem Jan applauded all the global health leaders and experts at the gathering who sought to fortify the foundations of resilient public health systems that transcended borders.
“Deliberations over the thematic areas of this summit will produce innovative and sustainable solutions for a comprehensive equity and sustainability framework,” he added.
“Our commitment for a unified survival could be best actualized by not allowing egos, political and economic interests to distract us from our agenda,” Jan emphasized.
Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani said the COVID-19 pandemic had exposed the vulnerabilities of the global health system.
“With the world health organizations reporting over 3.5 million deaths and economic losses estimated to be over $12.5 trillion by the International Monetary Fund, the pandemic underscores the urgent need to fortify international cooperation in addressing global health threats,” he added.
