Speakers stress urgent need for collaborative action to address health impacts of climate change

The Bahria University Health Sciences Karachi Campus (BUHSCK) hosted the 6th BUHSCK National Conference titled 'Climate Change & Health: Emerging Challenges & Solutions' on Monday.

The one-day event, held at the Ibn-e-Sina Auditorium, brought together distinguished professionals, academics, policymakers, students, and researchers from Pakistan and abroad.

Director General BUHSCK Vice Admiral (retd) Athar Mukhtar HI(M), emphasised the urgent need for collaborative action to address the health impacts of climate change and the importance of integrating environmental policies with public health strategies.

Professor Dr Mehtab Karim, Professor Emeritus at Aga Khan University and Senior Fellow at George Mason University, delivered a keynote address on the repercussions of climate change on global health. Professor Dr Zulfiqar Bhutta, a globally recognized health expert, joined virtually to share insights on child and maternal health in the context of environmental challenges.

Getz Pharma's chief executive officer Dr Khalid Mehmood highlighted the pharmaceutical industry’s role in tackling climate-induced health crises. The chief guest, Professor Dr Mohammed Saeed Quraishy, Vice Chancellor of the Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi, stressed the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in addressing the health impacts of climate change.

He called for unified efforts to integrate environmental policies with public health strategies to achieve sustainable solutions. In her concluding remarks, Dean of Health Sciences Major General (retd) Professor Dr Shehla M. Baqai HI(M) emphasised the need for urgent action at the intersection of climate change and health.

She advocated for sustainable solutions across sectors, stating that the climate crisis requires global cooperation and innovative strategies to mitigate, adapt to, and build resilience against its impacts.

The conference included scientific sessions by invited speakers, a student research session, a poster competition, and panel discussions. The recommendations focused on integrated policies addressing climate change and public health, cross-sector collaboration, investment in climate-resilient health systems, and promoting sustainable practices at local, national, and global levels.