KARACHI: The APPNA Institute of Public Health (AIPH) of Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) concluded its 3rd International Public Health Conference on Wednesday. The two-day event, themed "Steering Pakistan's Health System Challenges through Public Health", brought together national and International experts to address the country's pressing public health issues.
"This conference served as a vital platform for stakeholders to collaborate and develop actionable strategies to tackle Pakistan’s urgent public health issues," said Professor Amjad Siraj Memon, Vice Chancellor of JSMU.
Experts highlighted that non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart disease now account for over 60% of deaths in Pakistan. They stressed the urgent need for comprehensive preventative measures, including early detection and management of NCDs.
The conference also explored leveraging AI and machine learning to enhance medical education and healthcare delivery. Experts noted that integrating these technologies could help address Pakistan's shortage of 1 doctor per 1,000 people.
Strategies to tackle Pakistan's rapidly growing population of 250 million were discussed, such as improving access to family planning and empowering women through educational campaigns. Sustainable development policies integrating population control were highlighted as critical priorities.
The conference emphasized the need to transition from a treatment-centric approach to one focused on disease prevention and health promotion. Equipping communities with the knowledge and resources to lead healthier lives was identified as a cornerstone of sustainable public health progress.
"The conference underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing Pakistan’s public health challenges. By sharing best practices, exploring innovative solutions, and fostering partnerships, we can drive meaningful progress in the health sector," said Dr. Aamna Rehana, Director of AIPH.
Dr. Greesh Kumar Maheshwari, Dr. Aroosa Nadeem, Dr. Saba Rajput, Dr. Saima Arif, Dr. Zaeema Ahmer, and Dr. Shiraz Shaikh served as moderators for the sessions and were also members of the conference organizing committee.
The event convened key stakeholders from across Pakistan’s health sector, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators, providing a critical platform for dialogue and collaboration.
