Global Health Security Summit Concludes with Ambitious Islamabad Charter 2024
Naveed Babar Dar:
Lahore:Participants at the recent Global Health Security Summit emphasized the imperative for equitable access to quality health resources, including medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics. The two-day summit culminated in the unveiling of the Islamabad Charter on Global Health Security 2024, promoting transparency in health product pricing and advocating for increased availability and efficiency.
A highlight was the establishment of a voluntary high-level advocacy forum set to meet annually, focusing on reviewing global health security status and strategizing for the future. This initiative signifies a unified, cross-border commitment to tackle emerging health challenges.
Caretaker Federal Health Minister Dr. Nadeem Jan lauded the summit’s success, proposing the inception of the Global Health Security Agenda Champion Awards. He championed the integration of a dedicated global health security session in the UNGA and World Health Assembly agendas, aiming for regular international collaboration.
Federal Health Secretary Iftikhar Ali Shalwani commended the collaborative spirit, emphasizing evidence-based strategies to fortify global health. Meanwhile, Director General of Health Dr. Ahmed Kazi expressed gratitude, highlighting key summit discussions, including pandemic preparedness and the critical need for a One Health System Approach.
The summit’s declaration called for strengthening public health functions under IHR 2005, enhancing disease surveillance systems, and bolstering climate change adaptation strategies. Additionally, it advocated for increased domestic financing and international assistance to bolster national health security.
About Author
