**Pakistan, UK Explore Deeper Collaboration on Health and Population Reforms**
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for National Health Services, Syed Mustafa Kamal, met with a delegation from the British High Commission, led by Acting High Commissioner and Development Director Ms. Jo Moir, to discuss strategic health sector priorities and avenues to align Pakistan’s current needs with ongoing UK support. The meeting highlighted both countries’ commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s health systems through targeted reforms, increased collaboration, and sustainable program implementation.
In a detailed discussion, Minister Kamal acknowledged the UK Government’s longstanding support for Pakistan’s health and population sectors through multiple development initiatives. He outlined the pressing challenges facing Pakistan, notably the dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, and underscored the necessity of shifting focus towards preventive and promotive healthcare. Strengthening primary healthcare systems, Kamal argued, will help alleviate pressure on overburdened tertiary care facilities.
Addressing public health concerns, Kamal emphasized the critical impact of waterborne diseases, which constitute almost 68% of illnesses nationwide. He pointed to the urgent need for safe drinking water and improved sewage infrastructure as essential measures. Another focal point of the discussion was Pakistan’s persistently high fertility rate, which the Minister described as a pressing national issue requiring immediate and collective action. He advocated for enhanced engagement with stakeholders—including religious scholars and development partners—to promote balanced population growth.
The meeting also explored potential reforms to the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. Kamal suggested reducing the current population-based allocation from 80% to 50%, and using 30% as an incentive for provinces making progress in curbing population growth. He further called for a robust, countrywide Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) campaign targeting men and raising awareness of population control measures.
On behalf of the UK Government, Ms. Jo Moir reaffirmed her country’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s health and population initiatives. She highlighted major British-funded programs, including the £120 million DFPAK Initiative targeting population challenges, and the £35 million Evidence for Health Program, which supports policy-making, universal health coverage, and pandemic readiness. Moir also noted the ongoing development of the Global Fund (GF) Accelerator Program, designed to ensure the sustainability of key initiatives on AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria by integrating them into Pakistan’s mainstream health system alongside institutional reforms.
Ms. Moir shared plans for a new media campaign, based on research findings, to raise nationwide awareness of health and population issues. Both parties agreed on the importance of detailed technical discussions to advance the GF Accelerator and population initiatives.
The meeting concluded with Minister Kamal thanking Ms. Moir and her delegation for their continued partnership and requesting further technical presentations to deepen collaboration. Ms. Moir expressed appreciation for the productive dialogue and reiterated the UK’s strong commitment to advancing Pakistan’s health and population sector priorities.
