World Health Assembly which started its session on 22nd May concluded Wednesday in Geneva with the resolve of the participating nations to fight disease and address inequity in provision of health services across the globe. 3,500 delegates from 194 countries participated in this highest global decision making forum on health that deliebrated diverse issues during its ten day annual session including accelerating the fight against growing burden of Non-Communicable diseases across the world, strengthening preparedness for cross border spread of epidemics, access to universal health care, eradication of polio, strengthening routine immunization among others.
Pakistan delegation led by Minister for National Health Services Saira Afzal Tarar had progress to share and expertise to offer in key areas of global concern. Fighting Anti-Microbial Resistance, Implementation of the Global Health Security Agenda to address the spread of epidemics across the borders, provision of Universal Health Coverage were among the areas where Pakistan had made substantial progress. Minister for National Health Services Saira Afzal Tarar addressing different sessions and sideline meetings at the World Health Assembly offered assistance to other countries to benefit from Pakistan’s experience and said Pakistan would like to provide technical support in these areas to countries desiring to make progress by benefitiing from Pakistan’s experience.
Pakistan presented its National Health Vision which is a key step forward in the context of attaining Sustainable Development Goals and in charting a joint roadmap for health with the federation and provinces working in close coordination to acheive targets in the health sector.
Saira Afzal Tarar also presided over several side events aimed at spotlighting issues of concern and sharing knowledge for mutual benefit of members states of the World Health Organization. A special side event on Polio Eradication was presided jointly by Pakistan and Nigerian Health Minister where global experts on Polio and enthusiasts presented their viewpoint and analysis of the Global drive to eradicate the disease. Progress made by Pakistan in addressing key issues that impeded polio progress won high appreciation by experts. Pakistan also presided side events on Implementation of International Health Regulations, Universal health Coverage, Diabetes, Tuberculosis control, Nutrition, Eye health and blood safety where the country’s strategies and plans of action were appreciated by the participating countries. Ensuring financial sustainability of National Immunization program for mothers and children through successful conclusion of National Immunization Support Program was recognised as major progress during the technical sessions of the World Health Assembly.
In sideline meetings with Health Ministers of several countries, ways and means to strengthen collaboration in diverse areas of health-care were discussed. The highlight was Pakistan and turkey agreeing to take concrete steps to strengthen mutual collaboration in areas of capacity building for health professionals and medical education.
The Minister also held a meeting with top officials of a Geneva based multinational Pharmaceutical for provision of free medicines to the poor segments of the population enrolled with Prime Minister’s National Health Program.
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