5th International Public Health Conference Concludes at KMU

The 5th International Public Health Conference organized by Khyber Medical University (KMU) Institute of Public Health & Social Sciences (IPH&SS), Peshawar, concluded with great enthusiasm and success. The four-day conference brought together renowned public health experts, policymakers, researchers, and students from across the country and abroad. The event served as an effective platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the formulation of impactful strategies on major public health issues.

The last day opened with a plenary session focused on Communicable Diseases, featuring thought-provoking presentations from leading experts. Dr. Kashif Asghar, former Research Scientist at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, delivered the keynote address. He emphasized the importance of biobanking in Pakistan, highlighting its potential to revolutionize diagnostics, treatment, and research in infectious diseases. “Biobanking offers a foundation for evidence-based healthcare in Pakistan and must be integrated into our public health strategy,” he noted.

Dr. Fawad Khan, WHO Sudan Cluster Coordinator, shared insights from the WASH and health response to the cholera outbreak in Sudan, underscoring the strain placed by global funding constraints on effective outbreak response and prevention. Dr. Bilal Ahmed, Immunization Specialist at UNICEF Headquarters, New York, highlighted global efforts toward eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus, calling attention to Pakistan’s targets for elimination by 2026.

Dr. Razia Fatima addressed tuberculosis (TB) control in Pakistan, advocating for integrated care models that merge TB services with broader health systems to ensure sustainability and equity. Dr. Florian Götzinger, Head of the Transcultural Pediatrics Unit at Ottakring Hospital, Austria, delivered a compelling talk on congenital and perinatal tuberculosis, urging for increased awareness, screening, and research in neonatal TB cases.

Closing the first session, Dr. Fozia Parveen from Aga Khan University presented on the nexus between climate change, education, and the dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, emphasizing the urgency for interdisciplinary action.

The second plenary session turned the spotlight on Public Mental Health, a growing priority in both global and national public health agendas. Prof. Dr. Saeed Farooq from Keele University, UK, shared transformative findings from his work in translating implementation research into real-world practice, offering a roadmap for actionable public mental health interventions in low- and middle-income countries. This was followed by Prof. Dr. Jehanzeb, who delved into emerging research in psychology, emphasizing the need for culturally relevant mental health frameworks in Pakistan.

The session concluded with Director General Health Services Dr. Muhammad Saleem, who lauded the conference for fostering high-level dialogue and collaboration. Vice Chancellor KMU Prof. Dr. Zia Ul Haq expressed his gratitude to all speakers, participants, and organizers for their commitment to advancing public health in Pakistan and beyond. As the conference continues, the exchange of global expertise and local insights promises to pave the way for stronger, more resilient health systems.

A key highlight of the closing ceremony was the appointment of KMU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Zia Ul Haq as the Patron-in-Chief of the Public Health Professional Association Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — an acknowledgment of his valuable contributions to the field of public health. In his closing address, he thanked all participants, guests, and organizers and underscored the significance of public health. Addressing young doctors and researchers, he encouraged them to continue working in the field with dedication and passion, as they represent the future leaders who will elevate the profession.

During the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to establish a Satellite Regional Training Centre at the KMU Institute of Public Health and Social Sciences in collaboration with WHO-TDR (World Health Organization – Special Program for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases). The center aims to play a vital role in advancing public health training and research in the region.

Additionally, two international research projects were introduced. The first, titled "Translating Evidence for Early Intervention in Psychosis (TRANSLATE)," focuses on enhancing service delivery for early detection and timely treatment of mental illness in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The project aims to improve patient outcomes, identify causes of treatment resistance, and develop a predictive tool for early diagnosis.

The second project, "COPE-BP" (Community Pharmacies Managing Hypertension: Intervention Development and Evaluation in Bangladesh and Pakistan), seeks to reduce cardiovascular risks through better hypertension management in economically disadvantaged urban populations. It emphasizes enhancing primary healthcare by promoting collaboration between community pharmacies and healthcare providers in Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Certificates, shields, and cash prizes were distributed among the winners of the poster and oral presentation competitions. The services of the organizers and volunteers who played an active role in the successful execution of the conference were also acknowledged.

In his concluding remarks, Prof. Dr. Zia Ul Haq expressed gratitude to all national and international participants and stated that the success of the 5th International Public Health Conference is a testament to KMU’s commitment to promoting public health through education, research, and partnerships.۔