ISLAMABAD: A one-day summit titled Future Health 2035 will be held on Friday, November 13, bringing together national and international medical experts, researchers and healthcare institutions to explore collaboration for the prevention and treatment of genetic disorders in Pakistan.
The event is being organised by the Strive Eradication of Disability Foundation in collaboration with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund. It will include a conference and an expo showcasing developments in the healthcare sector.
The summit aims to promote the integration of genetic screening, early detection and genomic medicine into Pakistan’s healthcare system, paving the way for the prevention, timely diagnosis and treatment of genetic disorders.
Alongside the conference, the expo will feature academic stalls, medical laboratories, innovative technologies and other advances in healthcare. A dedicated family and play area for children, along with food stalls, will also be available to make the event engaging for visitors of all ages.
Strive Chief Executive Officer Yasir Khan said the treatment of genetic diseases is often too expensive and, even when available in Pakistan, remains out of reach for affected communities. He said the focus, therefore, should be on preventing genetic diseases through awareness and the use of emerging medical technologies.
He said advances in medical science around the world, including genome sequencing and gene editing, have made disease management, physical rehabilitation and greater independence possible, improving the lives of affected individuals.
Yasir Khan said the summit aims to bring together national and international expertise and explore possibilities for building partnerships that can help make the latest treatments and therapies more accessible to affected communities across Pakistan.
Various sessions will be held during the day, covering inherited disorders, genetic risk assessment, screening and counselling, and the role of genetic testing and genome sequencing in accurate diagnosis. Discussions will also focus on data privacy, quality standards and ways to improve access to genetic services in Pakistan.
Special focus will be given to Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Clinical geneticists and genomic scientists will discuss how genetic screening and genomic medicine can support early detection and informed healthcare decisions.
Biomedical engineering experts will also explore emerging technologies, including brain-computer interfaces, robotics and intelligent prosthetics, and their potential to restore function and improve mobility.
Sessions on Spinal Muscular Atrophy will examine diagnosis, disease progression, available treatments and their effectiveness, rehabilitation and respiratory care. Patient and family experiences, international advances in SMA care, and opportunities to improve access to treatment and support in Pakistan will also be discussed.
