Balochistan Health Department, UKHSA conclude two-day workshop on epidemic preparedness

ISLAMABAD: A two-day consultative workshop on “Multi-sector coordination for epidemic preparedness and effective response” has concluded. It was organised by the Health Department of the Government of Balochistan with technical support from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The workshop aimed to promote effective coordination among government sectors and to strengthen institutional cooperation in dealing with public health emergencies, including epidemics.

The workshop followed several consultative sessions held over the past year. These aim to set up an effective and sustainable Multi-Sector Coordination (MSC) system in Balochistan. Senior officials of key departments of the Government of Balochistan attended. They pledged to promote a coordinated strategy based on a Whole-of-Government Approach to public health emergencies.

Representatives of the Health Department, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the Livestock Department, the Local Government Department, the Planning and Development (P&D) Department, the Information Department and other line departments took part. Additional Secretary S&GAD Muhammad Naeem Bazai was among them. The consultation discussed in detail how to promote cooperation between departments, define institutional roles and responsibilities, and make coordinated measures against public health threats more effective.

Proposed governance structure of the MSC network

A key item on the agenda was the presentation of the proposed governance structure of the Multi-Sector Coordination network and detailed deliberation on it. Participants reviewed the proposed framework and drew up unanimous recommendations. On that basis, it will be finalised for formal approval by the Government of Balochistan and for institutional implementation.

Sessions were held on a range of technical subjects. These included inter-agency coordination, effective sharing of information, joint response to epidemics and other emergencies, disease surveillance, risk communication, emergency operations, the One Health approach and building institutional capacity. Participants shared their experiences and views.

The concluding session was addressed by Dr Nusrat of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination; Dr Noor Qazi, Chief Executive Officer of the Balochistan Healthcare Commission; Director General Livestock Dr Farooq Tareen; Director General MERC Zulfiqar Jatoi; Dr Mumtaz Ali Khan, Chief of the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) at the National Institute of Health (NIH); and Farooq Tareen, Additional Secretary of the Local Government Department. They said coordinated action among all relevant institutions, timely sharing of information and joint planning were essential to deal effectively with complex challenges such as epidemics. They pledged to further strengthen inter-agency cooperation to protect public health in Balochistan.

UKHSA to continue technical support

Dr Asif Khan Baitani, Deputy Country Lead of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), praised the active participation and commitment of all departments in setting up the Multi-Sector Coordination network. He said UKHSA would continue to give the Government of Balochistan all possible support in technical assistance, capacity building, training programmes and the creation of an effective governance system. Participants also acknowledged that the agency had played a key role in technical guidance, building institutional capacity and preparing an effective governance framework.

The concluding session unanimously stressed that all relevant departments would clearly fulfil their responsibilities to make the network effective, active and sustainable. It said a regular coordination system would be maintained, and joint exercises, training activities and timely sharing of information would be ensured. This would allow a swift and effective response to any epidemic or public health emergency.

At the end of the workshop, participants issued a joint declaration. They pledged to put the recommendations into practice, to seek early approval of the proposed governance structure, to strengthen institutional partnership and to give priority to coordinated public health protection measures under the One Health approach. They expressed hope that the outcome of the consultation would prove a milestone in making epidemic preparedness, timely response and the public health system in Balochistan more effective and stronger.

Photo: courtesy DGPR Balochistan