Fourth Int’l public health conference concludes at KMU

PESHAWAR: The 4th International Public Health Conference, organised by Khyber Medical University (KMU), concluded here on Saturday.

Under the theme “The Power of Prevention: Investing in Complex Issues in Public Health,” the conference convened national and international experts to deliberate on pressing health challenges and explore innovative solutions.

Key discussions centered on collaborative approaches for non-communicable disease (NCD) control, emphasising early detection, prevention strategies, and comprehensive management. Secretary Health Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mehmood Aslam, presided over the event.

A major focus of the conference was advocating for robust tobacco control policies, including increased taxes, comprehensive advertising bans, and public awareness campaigns on tobacco’s harmful effects. Additionally, there was a call to integrate mental health services into primary care settings to raise awareness and reduce stigma.

Recognising family medicine’s pivotal role in bolstering healthcare systems, participants explored leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and health informatics for disease surveillance, predictive analytics, and personalised healthcare delivery. Evidence-based policies derived from cutting-edge research were highlighted, offering insights for resource allocation and priority setting in public health agendas.

During the closing ceremony, Mehmood Aslam emphasised prioritising investments in addressing non-communicable diseases, citing alarming statistics on diabetes and hypertension. Outstanding contributions of participants and organisers were recognised, with certificates and shields presented to winners of oral presentations, abstract submissions, and the organising committee.

Dr Khalid Rehman and his team, including Dr Abdul Jalil Khan, Dr Maria Ishaq Khattak, Dr Shaista, Dr Samrina, Dr Ikram, Dr Sheraz, Dr Nauman, and Shujaat, played a vital role in organising the conference. Their efforts facilitated robust discussions and invaluable knowledge exchange among participants. The secretary health KP delivered an impactful address, emphasising collaboration among governmental bodies, academia, and healthcare professionals to advance public health initiatives and ensure community well-being.