UK promises support for health systems

Islamabad: British High Commission Development Director Jo Moir on Tuesday commended the "strong partnership" between the UK and Pakistan and reaffirmed the UK's commitment to supporting Pakistan healthcare systems.

“Through initiatives such as the Evidence for Health (E4H) programme, GAVI, GFATM and sustained support for polio eradication, we are dedicated to strengthening healthcare delivery in Pakistan and ensuring essential services reach those in need,” the director said during a meeting with coordinator to the Prime Minister on Health Dr. Malik Mukhtar Bharath here. They discussed ways to advance UK-Pakistan partnership as well as the ongoing support in strengthening healthcare in Pakistan.

The meeting was attended by health secretary Nadeem Mahbub and DG (health and population) Dr. Shabana Saleem. Dr. Bharath appreciated the UK government for its enduring support through the UK-PAK Health Partnership, highlighting the transformative role of technical assistance in advancing Pakistan health and population goals. "The UK governments support has been invaluable in achieving key milestones in our health sector" he noted, underscoring the positive impact of the partnership on health system resilience and service delivery.

As part of this ongoing commitment, a high-level UK delegation is scheduled to visit Pakistan in near future to review the UK-Pakistan Health Partnership Agreement signed in 2023. This review will focus on key areas including health systems strengthening, health security, and continued collaboration under the UK-Pakistan health agenda. Addressing population growth and its impact on sustainable development remains a top priority. The President’s Task Force on Population is set to convene a strategic meeting this month, with a focus on integrating population strategies with health to enhance healthcare delivery.