The summit on health

Before someone says that our health indicators are great, and suggests that anyone who questions that statement is damaging the country’s image, I just wanted to say that actually the indicators are not that good. The health indicators, in fact, paint a picture that shows that a large population lives without access to any proper basic care, and that their situation is unlikely to improve with the current set of policies. It is also important to note that saying that things are not great is not a conspiracy against the state, instead it is more of a recognition of a problem, and an effort to turn the corner. In any case, I am neither that important, nor health is important enough for the ministers to take note. So I think I am safe!

The World Summit on Health in Berlin is in full swing this week with nearly 2,000 people attending from over 100 countries. The topics are wide ranging, the experts impressive and the passion palpable. There is, however, a recognition that not all is working perfectly in the health of the planet and those who inhabit it. The growing resistance against antibiotics, the refugee crisis, the challenges stemming from non-communicable diseases, the threat of climate change and the lack of global funding and commitment are signs of trouble and should make any serious global health professional uneasy. Yet, the conference is also serving an important purpose. It is highlighting these issues, by bringing together a diverse set of stakeholders from academia and industry, policymakers and public health professionals, scientists and students, on a platform of inquiry, debate and reflection.

Pakistan represents a microcosm of these challenges. Some of our health challenges include areas where we have paid significant attention (eg polio eradication) and some are areas that we are aggressively resisting to even acknowledge (climate change and the impact on environment through large infrastructure projects). We also have a fair share of thorny problems that are at best ignored, and worst, bring the wrath of fringe elements. The issue of health of Afghan refugees, the topic of domestic violence pervasive in our urban and rural environments, and the continued growth of HIV and Aids all require us to think, discuss and come up with appropriate solutions. Discussion on health issues have also excluded conversations that are relevant to national security, ranging from threats of pandemics to inability to create necessary vaccines. These are just some of the many challenges that we face — and need to be addressed through a yearly national health summit.

Some may argue that we already have plenty of symposia and meetings on health. That is indeed true. But the reality is that we have never had a broad ranging summit that brings together students, scholars, scientists, entrepreneurs, policymakers and public health professionals on a single platform. The current meetings that invite ministers have more people from the media than from the medical community. Student research is given at best lip service, and the private sector is completely absent.

The point of the summit is neither to shame anyone, nor to give medals to the best performing province. Instead, it is to take a stock on where we are, what is the current status of our key health indicators, what we do know, and what are some of the blind spots. It will also serve as a motivation to those who aspire to work for the wellbeing of those who are left behind, create an avenue to create new partnerships and hopefully crystallise specific partnerships between disparate disciplines.

Pakistan is a country of over 200 million people but, at the end of the day, it is one country. Health may be a provincial matter, but ultimately it is a national matter concerning all citizens.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 17^th, 2017.

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