ISLAMABAD – 23 June 2025: The Federal Minister of State for National Health Services, Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, inaugurated the First National Health Preparedness and Resilience Conference on Diarrheal Diseases in Islamabad.
Speaking at the event, he said, “Every child deserves clean water and a healthy future.”
The two-day conference, organized by the National Institute of Health (NIH), aims to address the serious impact of diarrheal diseases, especially in children under five. It also focuses on strengthening Pakistan’s ability to deal with infectious disease threats.
Representatives from provincial and federal health departments, the World Health Organization (WHO), UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), DAI, JHEPIGO, and other international health experts attended the event.
Dr. Bharath emphasized the government’s dedication to improving health systems under the International Health Regulations (IHR). He referred to the Joint External Evaluation (JEE 2023) and mentioned that a new National Action Plan for Health Security (2024–2028) is being developed.
He pointed out that diarrheal diseases remain a major cause of death among children under five, mainly due to lack of clean water, sanitation, and equal access to healthcare.
The minister announced key strategies including better disease surveillance with provinces, expanding rotavirus and oral cholera vaccinations, promoting WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) at household levels, and encouraging cooperation between health, education, and water sectors.
NIH was praised for its role in building lab facilities, improving surveillance systems, and training health workers. Dr. Bharath also urged increased domestic health funding and called on international partners to support Pakistan’s health goals.
He also addressed broader health risks like COVID-19, Mpox, and the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), stressing the importance of early detection, strong border checks, and public awareness.
“This conference is a call to action,” Dr. Bharath said. “We must work together to ensure every child in Pakistan not only survives but thrives.”
