Lahore:Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has expressed gratitude for the ongoing collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) on various health projects.
The minister made these remarks during a meeting with a WHO delegation at the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI) on Thursday.
Highlighting the provincial government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services, the minister stated, “Under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, we are striving to provide better health facilities to the people.” He emphasized that raising public awareness is crucial for significantly reducing the prevalence of hepatitis in Punjab. “Teamwork is essential to achieve positive outcomes from our policies, and improving the health system is our top priority,” he added.
He also mentioned that the scope of hepatitis screening has been expanded throughout the province. He noted the growing challenge of controlling Pakistan’s population and stressed the importance of intensifying s
creenings for Hepatitis B and C.
Dr. Meg Darthy, HIV Global Director from WHO, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting the Punjab Health Department in combating hepatitis. She highlighted that July 28 is recognized globally for raising awareness about hepatitis prevention.
The meeting focused on joint efforts and strategies to manage hepatitis in Punjab. The WHO delegation praised the public welfare initiatives led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
The WHO delegation included HIV Global Director Dr. Meg Darthy from Geneva, Global Team Leader Dr. Olofnmila, Acting Regional Advisor from WHO EMR Cairo Dr. Shahid Jameel, Dr. Safdar Pasha from WHO Islamabad, and NPO Dr. Irfan Ahmed from WHO Punjab. Deputy Director Punjab AIDS Control Program Dr. Zafar Abbas and PKLI officials were also present at the meeting.