JSMU honors Dr. Haroon Ahmed: A mental health pioneer on World Health & Earth Day

JSMU pays tribute to Dr. Haroon Ahmed while spotlighting mental health and environmental challenges in Pakistan

KARACHI: On the occasion of World Health Day 2025 and Earth Day, Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) held a powerful event in memory of Professor Syed Haroon Ahmed, Pakistan’s most revered psychiatrist. Recognized as a pioneer who redefined mental healthcare in Pakistan, Dr. Haroon Ahmed’s legacy was celebrated by faculty, students, medical experts, and national health leaders.

“He wasn’t just a doctor to his patients, but a healer to our society,” said Prof. Amjad Siraj Memon, Vice Chancellor of JSMU. He emphasized that Dr. Haroon’s compassionate service extended well beyond clinics, reaching vulnerable and underserved communities—a testament to his people-centered vision of healthcare.

Linking health and environment: A dual crisis for Pakistan

Following the tribute, JSMU hosted a compelling seminar addressing the interconnected crises of public health and environmental degradation in Pakistan, coinciding with global themes:

• World Health Day – “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures”
• Earth Day – “Our Power, Our Planet”

Experts highlighted alarming statistics:

• 128,000+ deaths annually due to air pollution
• 40% of the population lacks access to clean drinking water
• 20 million children suffer from malnutrition
• Pakistan is among the top 10 climate-vulnerable countries globally

Mental health at risk: The climate connection

Renowned psychiatrist Dr. Iqbal Afridi called attention to the mental health epidemic driven by climate anxiety, displacement, and trauma. He stressed that climate distress is now a major psychological trigger for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, especially in rural populations.

Adding to the discussion, Prof. Dr. Aasim Ahmad, Dean and Chief Nephrologist at The Kidney Centre, revealed a disturbing rise in kidney diseases due to contaminated water sources, showing how environmental neglect is taking a toll on physical health as well.

JSMU research spotlights health hazards

JSMU students presented original research revealing how environmental degradation worsens diseases like:

• Dengue
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
• Diabetes
• Hepatitis A & E

These findings reinforced the urgency to bridge health, climate, and policy action in Pakistan.

Safeguard health, protect the planet

The event concluded with a collective call: honoring Dr. Haroon Ahmed’s legacy means protecting both mental health and the environment. Leaders urged immediate policy reforms, public awareness, and cross-sector collaboration to confront this dual national emergency.

Attendees included Registrar Dr. Azam Khan, Principal Dr. Ambreen Usmani, Director HR Dr. Rahat Naz, and many healthcare professionals and students.

How can we better support public health amid climate change? Share your thoughts below or tag someone who cares. Let’s spark real change!