Pakistan, US discuss bilateral healthcare cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States engaged in discussions to enhance bilateral cooperation in healthcare, focusing particularly on research and development, with the latter showing keenness to collaborate in advancing the agenda of global health security.

Caretaker Federal Health Minister Dr. Nadeem Jan met with US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome to explore avenues for collaboration in the health sector.

The discussions centered around the establishment of a Pakistani Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), global health security, childhood immunizations, diseases similar to Covid-19, maternal and child health, and non-communicable diseases. Ambassador Blome commended the government's dedication and the tireless efforts of healthcare workers in combating polio.

Dr. Jan reiterated the commitment of national leadership to combat all vaccine-preventable diseases, using all available resources. He highlighted the progress made within the past two years of health dialogue, with both sides identifying areas for mutual engagement and establishing an action plan to achieve shared objectives.

Various health sector issues of mutual interest were discussed during the meeting, with Ambassador Blome acknowledging the proactive measures and reforms implemented by the health minister within a short timeframe. Dr. Jan's initiatives aimed at safeguarding the country and the global community from epidemics and diseases were praised by the US envoy.

Dr. Jan said Pakistan successfully hosted the Global Health Security Summit in Islamabad, a move applauded by Ambassador Blome as a timely and crucial step. The USA expressed readiness to collaborate in advancing the agenda of global health security.

The meeting also addressed the nutrition situation in Pakistan, with Dr. Jan highlighting the Ministry of Health's integrated strategy to combat malnutrition. He mentioned the formation of a task force on nutrition to ensure coordinated efforts among federal and provincial authorities, donors, and stakeholders.

Dr. Jan also outlined the country's integrated strategy to eradicate polio, underscoring the vital role of polio workers on the frontline. He emphasized the utilization of these workers in other health sectors such as family planning, nutrition, and immunization programs under the integrated strategy.