ISLAMABAD: A five-year National Action Plan for Health Security (2024-28) has been launched to strengthen Pakistan’s health system and tackle emerging public health challenges, focusing on improving the country’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to health crises, with a particular emphasis on pandemic preparedness and the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health.
The Ministry of National Health Services unveiled the plan at a high-profile ceremony attended by key figures, including Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmad, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Health, Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, and Federal Health Secretary Nadeem Mahbub.
Dr Ahmad highlighted the plan as a strategic framework to enhance technical capacities for managing emergencies, demonstrating Pakistan’s commitment to health security.
Developed through extensive consultations with government officials, development partners, and international stakeholders, the plan incorporates recommendations from Pakistan’s 2023 Joint External Evaluation.
It aims to establish an International Health Regulations (IHR) monitoring mechanism to strengthen governance, disease surveillance, and emergency response capabilities.
Commenting on the initiative, Deputy British High Commissioner Andrew Dalgleish said, “This action plan reflects Pakistan’s dedication to enhancing health security, strengthening primary health services, and improving emergency coordination. The UK is proud to support Pakistan through initiatives like the Evidence for Health (E4H) Programme.”
The event brought together federal and provincial ministers, health officials from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, as well as representatives from international organisations, including WHO, USAID, and the UK Health Security Agency.
Federal Health Secretary Nadeem Mahbub underscored the importance of collaboration, saying, “This plan calls for coordinated efforts between federal and provincial stakeholders to address immediate and long-term public health challenges.”
WHO Representative Dr Luo Dapeng lauded the initiative, saying, “The National Action Plan for Health Security exemplifies the One Health approach and highlights Pakistan’s commitment to enhanced health preparedness. WHO remains committed to supporting Pakistan in achieving its health goals.”
By uniting stakeholders across sectors and regions, the National Action Plan for Health Security (2024-28) outlines a clear vision for a healthier, more resilient Pakistan.