Pakistan launches much-awaited National Action Plan for Health Security

ISLAMABAD: Health authorities on Thursday launched the much-awaited National Action Plan for Health Security (2024-28), a five-year roadmap to strengthen the country’s health systems against evolving public health emergencies.

The plan, designed to enhance the prevention, detection, and response to health threats, was unveiled in an event led by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination. The launch brought together key figures, including Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Health Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad, Federal Health Secretary Nadeem Mahbub, and other provincial health representatives.

International partners such as the Deputy British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Andrew Dalgleish, also participated, underscoring global collaboration in addressing Pakistan’s health challenges. Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad highlighted that the costed operational plans under this action plan would enable federal and provincial governments to prioritise interventions for enhanced technical capacity. “The National Action Plan incorporates the One Health approach, addressing human, animal, and environmental health to combat pandemics and strengthen overall health security,” he stated. Developed with technical input from the UK’s Evidence for Health (E4H) Programme, the action plan was created through an extensive consultation process involving government officials and international stakeholders. It builds upon findings from Pakistan’s second Joint External Evaluation (JEE) conducted in 2023, which identified areas for improved health preparedness.

The plan also emphasises establishing an International Health Regulations (IHR) monitoring mechanism, ensuring robust governance to tackle health emergencies. According to Federal Health Secretary Nadeem Mahbub, “A synchronised federal and provincial response is critical for addressing immediate and long-term health risks.” Development partners such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), and USAID were present at the launch. The WHO lauded the initiative’s focus on the One Health approach, noting its alignment with global health regulations. Mr. Dalgleish emphasised the UK’s commitment, stating, “This plan strengthens Pakistan’s primary healthcare, emergency coordination, and disease surveillance systems.” With its comprehensive design and inclusive consultation process, the National Action Plan for Health Security (2024-28) represents a significant step toward a resilient, responsive healthcare system in Pakistan, ensuring preparedness for public health emergencies in the years ahead.