ISLAMABAD: In a groundbreaking two-day Global Health Security Summit, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar emphasized the urgency of exploring mechanisms for global funding to support nations in need. The summit, addressing critical health security issues, aims to ensure that no one is left behind in the global pursuit of health security.
Prime Minister Kakar, in his inaugural address, stressed the importance of a well-funded, globally supported medium-term road map for countries, aligning with the International Health Regulations Core Capacities evaluation. He highlighted the need for open, transparent, and multi-sectoral processes to strengthen commitment and buy-in at all levels.
Speaking on the significance of enhanced coordination in the health sector, Kakar advocated for a “One Health” approach recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. He emphasized the establishment of global frameworks facilitating information sharing, joint research, and collaborative strategies for effective emergency responses.
The prime minister underscored the necessity of a robust surveillance and public health laboratory system for early detection, response, and mitigation. He called for collaborative efforts to establish international standards for food safety and harmonize regulations to ensure global population protection.
Unified Response for Health Security Urged
Addressing the challenge of antimicrobial resistance, Kakar advocated for a unified front against the issue. He emphasized coordinated efforts to develop and enforce global standards for the responsible use of antibiotics and infection prevention.
Highlighting the need for a collective response to health challenges, Kakar emphasized that no state could address health challenges alone. He urged international collaboration to tackle external and internal health challenges, such as population growth, rapid urbanization, and climate change.
Reflecting on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, Kakar emphasized collaboration, preparedness, and a unified response. He called for a shared vision where health security is a universal right, and the strength of a nation’s health systems is measured by their ability to prevent, detect, and mitigate health threats.
Discussing the impact of climate change, Kakar acknowledged Pakistan’s vulnerability and stressed the integration of climate resilience into health policies. He underscored the shared responsibility requiring a collective response.
Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani hailed the summit as a timely initiative to ensure a safer and healthier world. He emphasized the vulnerability exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and stressed the need for international cooperation to enhance health sector resilience.
Health Minister Dr. Nadeem Jan highlighted the summit’s focus on equity-based pandemic preparedness financing, vaccine equity, patent deregulation, and technology transfer. He underscored the importance of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and united action to address ongoing global health challenges.
International representatives, including Ambassador Donald Bloom of the United States and Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hani Jokhdar of Saudi Arabia, expressed their commitment to improving global health systems and the importance of international cooperation in enhancing health security.
