Pak-UK health collaboration to be further strengthened: Aamer Kiani

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: A high-level delegation led by the British Secretary of State for International Development Penny Mordant visited the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad on Thursday, and met the Federal Health Minister Aamer Mehmood Kiani.

The British High Commissioner in Pakistan Thomas Drew and the Head of UK Department for International Development Joana Reid were also present on the occasion.

Speaking to the delegation, the minister expressed satisfaction over Pak-UK collaboration in the health sector. He expressed his desire to work closely with his British counterpart in further strengthening the existing partnership.

The Executive Director NIH Brigadier Dr. Aamir Ikram gave a detailed briefing on the occasion.

Dr. Aamir Ikram said that Pakistan is committed to implement International Health Regulations, to strengthen its capacity to prevent, detect and respond to health emergencies and disease outbreaks. He said that the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) in 2016, provided an opportunity to move forward in this direction.

The executive director NIH said that two of the five key recommendations were to strengthen real-time Disease Surveillance and Response mechanisms and to work on anti-microbial resistance in Pakistan. He said that NIH has been designated as National focal point for IHR and Global Health Security Agenda mandated capacities.

Aamer Kiyani requested the Public Health England to support Pakistan in establishing a real time Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response System based on One Health Approach.

With technical support of PHE and in close coordination with all stakeholders, Phase 1 of IDSR document has been finalized and will be piloted in identified districts nationwide as well as ICT.

In addition to focusing on the public sector under Phase I, small group meetings have also engaged private sector labs and parastatal organizations including the army.

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