Pakistan’s One Health Initiative: A Sustainable Model for Global Health Security

Pakistan Commits to Sustainable Health Through One Health Secretariat
In a major step toward integrated health planning, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Health, Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, announced the establishment of a dedicated One Health Secretariat. This central platform will coordinate efforts across human, animal, and environmental health sectors to ensure long-term sustainability of health initiatives.

A Collaborative Approach to Health Challenges
The announcement came during a two-day workshop hosted by the Health Services Academy at the COMSTECH Secretariat in Islamabad. The event brought together experts from government, academia, and international organizations to address pressing issues like antimicrobial resistance (AMR), zoonotic diseases, and food safety.

Islamabad as the Pilot District for Integrated Surveillance
Prof. Dr. Tariq Mahmood Ali, National Coordinator for One Health, shared that Islamabad Capital Territory will serve as the pilot district for integrated disease surveillance and inter-sectoral workforce development. The model is designed to be scalable nationwide, offering a cost-effective framework for pandemic preparedness.

Aligning with Global Health Standards
Pakistan’s One Health initiative is aligned with key global frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), International Health Regulations (IHR-2005), and the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA). This alignment positions Pakistan as a proactive player in global health resilience.

Building a Multi-Sectoral Workforce
Participants emphasized the need for a trained, multi-sectoral workforce to support the initiative. The workshop mapped institutional capacities and identified training gaps, laying the groundwork for future development and community engagement.

Global Partnerships for Long-Term Impact
The workshop concluded with a strong call for continued collaboration with international partners such as the WHO, FAO, US-CDC, and the Fleming Fund. These partnerships are key to scaling the initiative and ensuring its sustainability across Pakistan.