Pakistan has taken a significant step toward strengthening its pandemic preparedness and health security with the launch of the One Health Mapping and Training Needs Assessment Workshop, organized under the flagship project “One Health Workforce Development and Coordination Towards Pandemic Readiness.” The two-day event, was hosted by health Services Academy at the COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad, brought together senior government officials, international partners, academia, and experts from health, livestock, agriculture, and environment sectors.
The inaugural session was addressed by Prof. Dr. Tariq Mahmood Ali, National Coordinator (One Health)), who underscored the Academy’s leadership role in spearheading the One Health agenda. He outlined the objectives of the workshop and shared an overview of the One Health Workforce Development (OHWD) Project. He highlighted that the Islamabad Capital Territory has been chosen as a pilot model district for integrated disease surveillance and intersectoral workforce development, to be scaled up nationwide.
International and national stakeholders including COMSTECH, the Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, WHO, FAO, ADB, US-CDC, and development partners commended the initiative. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary (Coordinator General, COMSTECH) emphasized that the project offers a replicable model for OIC member states, while Dr. Saima Basheer (Member Social Sector, MoPD&SI) stressed the cost-effectiveness of prevention versus outbreak response.
The Chief Guest, Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Minister of State for NHSR&C, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to establishing a dedicated One Health Secretariat as a central platform for coordination, integration, and sustainability of One Health initiatives. He urged stronger international collaboration, particularly to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR), zoonotic diseases, and food safety challenges.
Participants agreed on the urgency of building a multi-sectoral workforce, enhancing surveillance systems, and promoting risk communication and community engagement. The workshop also mapped institutional strengths across sectors and identified training needs for future workforce development.
By aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), International Health Regulations (IHR-2005), and the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA), Pakistan’s One Health initiative positions itself as a science-driven, cost-effective, and globally relevant model for pandemic preparedness.
The workshop concluded with a strong call for continued partnerships with global organizations, including the Fleming Fund, WHO, FAO, US-CDC and other development partners, to ensure sustainability and scalability of the initiative across Pakistan.
