The 'Sustainable and Resilient Health Systems Conference'- A Pivotal Event for Pakistan's Healthcare

The Manhattan Strategy Group, a prominent US-based think tank, is partnering with various organizations to hold the "International Conference on Sustainable Health Systems and Resilience: Challenges and Opportunities" in Islamabad. The venue for this conference is COMSTECH, the Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation). It is an all-day event on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, dedicated to Pakistan's public health workers recognizing their unwavering commitment in the face of daunting challenges.

The conference aims to bring together a diverse group of experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from around the world to discuss strategies for transforming health systems through collaboration. Like several others, Pakistan's healthcare system struggles with mounting pressures ranging from recent global pandemics to climate-induced health risks. Such dialogues will strengthen national capability and preparedness to face healthcare challenges and enhance international partnerships.

The opening ceremony of this conference will be presided over by Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination. His vision of Pakistan's national healthcare and opening remarks will set the stage for the day's discussions, focusing on the critical obstacles and emerging opportunities in strengthening Pakistan's health systems.

Among the prominent global public healthcare scholars is Dr. Erin Sorrell of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She is recognized for her scholarly contribution in developing and applying various methodologies to map, assess, and address the structure and function of health systems. Dr. Hammad Ali, Associate Branch Chief of Science from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), holds an adjunct faculty position at Brown University USA and will share his experiences and global strategies relevant to public health measures. The former Executive Director of the National Institute of Health, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Major General (Retired) Dr. Aamer Ikram, will share his experiences based on reflections on the way forward for the country's health resilience.

This conference also marks a significant milestone for the Manhattan Strategy Group as it formally expands its focus to Pakistan. Known for its thought leadership in public policy, the think-tank is looking to forge new partnerships with local governments, NGOs, and private sector entities to bolster healthcare innovation in the country.

According to world-renowned Pakistani virologist, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, who is currently serving as Vice Chancellor of the National Skills University Islamabad Pakistan, such conferences provide valuable insights and empower scholars and participants to shape future policies related to public health strategies based on empirical evidence from national and global scenarios.

For the participants and audience, the insights shared at this conference will have significant implications not only for Pakistan but also for the global community, as we all strive to build more resilient, equitable, and sustainable health systems.