Pakistan and WHO Unite for World Health Day

Science and Collaboration: Building a Healthier Future

World Health Day was marked in Pakistan with a powerful message: medical science is the cornerstone of a healthier tomorrow. The Ministry of Health, alongside the World Health Organization (WHO), celebrated decades of progress in combating diseases and improving healthcare outcomes.

Health Secretary Muhammad Aslam Ghauri stressed that trusting science is not optional—it is vital for the safety of families and communities. He reminded the audience that Pakistan, as a founding member of WHO, has consistently advanced in disease control and healthcare delivery.

Scientific breakthroughs have transformed the fight against once-deadly illnesses. Tuberculosis, malaria, hepatitis C, and cancer are now treatable, while polio eradication efforts have reduced cases in Pakistan by an astonishing 99.8% over the past three decades. These achievements highlight how innovation and global cooperation save millions of lives.

WHO Representative Dr. Luo Dapeng shared striking statistics: vaccines have saved more than 150 million lives worldwide in the last 50 years. In Pakistan alone, seven million children and 5.5 million women of childbearing age receive life-saving immunizations annually. Tuberculosis treatment has benefited over five million Pakistanis in the past decade, while malnutrition programs provide critical care to 70,000 children each year.

The event also emphasized the One Health approach, recognizing the deep connection between human, animal, and environmental health. This holistic perspective ensures that healthcare strategies address broader challenges, from disease prevention to sustainable living.

Young people were encouraged to embrace science and innovation, becoming active contributors to a healthier future. The celebration served as a reminder that progress in public health depends on trust in science, international collaboration, and the collective commitment to saving lives.

World Health Day in Pakistan was not just a commemoration—it was a call to action, urging society to continue building a safer, healthier, and more resilient world.