ISLAMABAD:A one-day summit, Future Health 2035, will be held on November 13 to bring together national and international medical experts, researchers and healthcare institutions to explore partnerships for the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of genetic disorders in Pakistan.
Organized by the Strive Eradication of Disability Foundation in collaboration with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), the summit will feature a conference and an exhibition showcasing advances in healthcare and emerging medical technologies.
The event aims to promote the integration of genetic screening, early detection and genomic medicine into Pakistan’s healthcare system to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of inherited disorders.
Strive Chief Executive Officer Yasir Khan said the treatment of genetic diseases was often prohibitively expensive and remained beyond the reach of many affected families, even when available in Pakistan. He said the foundation aimed to emphasize prevention through public awareness and the use of emerging medical technologies.
He said advances in medical science, including genome sequencing and gene editing, had opened new possibilities for disease management, physical rehabilitation and greater independence for people living with genetic conditions.
He added that the summit would bring together national and international expertise to explore partnerships that could help make advanced treatments and therapies more accessible to affected communities across Pakistan.
The conference will feature sessions on inherited disorders, genetic risk assessment, screening, counselling and the role of genetic testing and genome sequencing in accurate diagnosis. Experts will also discuss data privacy, quality standards and ways to improve access to genetic services in the country.
Special attention will be given to Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), with clinical geneticists and genomic scientists examining how genetic screening and genomic medicine can support early diagnosis and informed healthcare decisions.
Sessions on SMA will cover diagnosis, disease progression, available treatments, rehabilitation and respiratory care. Participants will also discuss international developments in SMA management, experiences of patients and families, and opportunities to improve access to treatment and support in Pakistan.
Biomedical engineering experts will explore emerging technologies, including brain-computer interfaces, robotics and intelligent prosthetics, and their potential to restore physical function and improve mobility.
Alongside the conference, the exhibition will feature academic stalls, medical laboratories, innovative technologies and other healthcare developments. A dedicated family and children’s play area, along with food stalls, will also be available for visitors.
The summit is expected to provide a platform for knowledge-sharing and collaboration among healthcare professionals, researchers and institutions working to improve prevention, diagnosis and care for people affected by genetic disorders.