ISLAMABAD – Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal held a series of high-level meetings on the sidelines of the World Health Assembly in Geneva with the health ministers of Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria and Indonesia, as well as representatives of the World Bank, to discuss bilateral cooperation and ongoing developments in the health sector.
During the meetings, the participants exchanged views on strengthening public health systems, enhancing collaboration, and benefiting from each other’s experiences in healthcare reforms and service delivery. Mustafa Kamal said Pakistan is undertaking comprehensive reforms in the health sector aimed at modernising the healthcare system and improving medical facilities for the public.
The minister said Pakistan is moving rapidly towards self-sufficiency in vaccine production and that all necessary steps are being taken to establish local vaccine manufacturing. He noted that Pakistan has formulated its National Vaccine Policy and is working closely with international partners to improve the health sector.
In his meeting with Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Mustafa Kamal said Pakistan currently provides free vaccination against 13 diseases to children, though none of the vaccines are locally produced. He said the vaccines are imported with support from international organisations, which currently bear a major portion of the cost. However, he warned that by 2030 external funding is expected to end, requiring Pakistan to independently manage vaccine financing.
The minister said Indonesia is Pakistan’s leading partner in efforts to establish local vaccine production and stressed that preventive healthcare remains a key government priority. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the health sector.
Separately, Mustafa Kamal met with Dr Chris Elias in Geneva, where discussions focused on polio eradication efforts and ongoing cooperation in healthcare. Dr Elias appreciated recent progress in Pakistan’s health sector and praised the coordinated strategy being implemented under the minister’s leadership.
According to the Health Ministry spokesperson, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will continue supporting vaccine availability and polio eradication efforts in Pakistan. Mustafa Kamal reiterated that the elimination of polio is a national cause and said Pakistan aims to become polio-free through integrated strategies and high-quality vaccination campaigns under the vision and leadership of the prime minister.
In a separate meeting with representatives of the World Bank, detailed discussions were held on Pakistan’s health sector and ongoing reforms. The World Bank representatives appreciated Pakistan’s National Health Support Programme and expressed alignment with the country’s health-related policies, projects and future vision.
The World Bank also praised Pakistan’s efforts towards local vaccine production and expressed readiness to support vaccine manufacturing initiatives in the country. The representatives said the institution would continue cooperating with Pakistan to strengthen primary healthcare services and promote telemedicine.
Mustafa Kamal appreciated the World Bank’s continued support and said the government would keep working with international partners to improve the country’s health sector.
Dr Chris Elias is also expected to visit Pakistan in July this year.
