ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister`s Coordinator on National Health Services Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath on Tuesday emphasised the urgent need for resilient health systems amid growing challenges posed by global health security and climate change.

Speaking at a conference, he acknowledged the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the US, expressing gratitude to the US government for the critical support that has strengthened health systems and improved the health status of the Pakistani population.

The international conference on `Sustainable health systems and resilience: challenges and opportunities` was held atComstech and organised by the Manhattan Strategy Group, a US-Pakistani social and human development organisation, in collaboration with partner organisations.

Dr Bharath highlighted the increasing frequency of disease outbreaks, including Covid-19 and mpox, and the necessity for Pakistan to invest more significantly in core health capacities under the International Health Regulations and Global Health Security Agenda frameworks.

About the aftermath of the 2022 floods, which displaced around 30 million people and incurred substantial economic losses, he outlined the challenges facing Pakistan`s healthcare delivery systems. He stressed the importance of enhancing primary healthcare, particularly inunderserved areas, while also leveraging digital health solutions to improve access.

He also underscored the potential for innovative financing models, such as health insurance schemes, to reduce the financial burden on vulnerable populations. Furthermore, he called for a collaborative one health approach to integrate human, animal, and environmental health sectors.

Dr Bharath made a commitment to strengthening evidencebased policymaking through the National Data Health Centre, reinforcing Pakistan`s readiness to tackle future health challenges through international partnerships and a unified national strategy.

Dr Erin Sorrell, a global health practitioner and Associate Professor at Johns HopkinsBloomberg School of Public Health, opened the discussions by highlighting the importance of innovative approaches in combating health crises.

Dr Hammad Ali, adjunct Associate Professor Brown University and Associate Branch Chief at the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provided insights on integrating public health strategies into community health initiatives.

The final keynote was delivered by Prof Dr Aamer Ikram, former executive director NIH, who addressed the intersection of public health and national security.

Over 150 health professionals, government officials, academic researchers, and representatives from international organisations attended the conference.