ISLAMABAD – Pakistan officially launched implementation of its Pandemic Fund initiative in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). A high-level national consultation was held in Islamabad on Thursday to mark the start of the initiative, which aims to establish One Health Units across the country.
Led by Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, the program emphasizes a coordinated response to health threats by integrating human, animal, and environmental health sectors. The National Institute of Health (NIH) will serve as the central secretariat for the initiative, which is aligned with Pakistan’s National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) and the International Health Regulations (IHR).
“The Pandemic Fund represents a vital opportunity for Pakistan to build stronger systems for disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, and community-level response,” said Director General Health Dr. Shabana Saleem. “The One Health approach ensures that we are tackling health threats in a comprehensive and sustainable manner.”
Over 70 participants, including senior officials from the Ministries of Health, Food Security, and Climate Change, as well as representatives from all provinces and regions, attended the consultation. The discussions focused on creating robust cross-sector coordination, early warning systems, and workforce training to address zoonotic and climate-sensitive health threats.
Florence Rolle, FAO Representative in Pakistan, commended the country’s efforts to tackle antimicrobial resistance and food safety concerns through a multisectoral approach. “This initiative will move us from planning to concrete action, anchored within government systems and backed by clear governance structures,” she noted.
WHO Representative Dr. Dapeng Luo emphasized the urgency of readiness in the face of global health risks. “COVID-19 was a wake-up call. Strengthening health systems and coordination is no longer optional—it is a necessity. WHO stands ready to support Pakistan in this vital effort.”
Representing ADB, Senior Project Officer Mansoor Ali Masood highlighted the importance of institutionalizing One Health frameworks. “These units will serve as platforms for information sharing, joint actions, and a proactive response to health threats.”
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to establish a National One Health Secretariat and strengthen linkages with provincial coordination mechanisms. NIH CEO Dr. Muhammad Salman reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to supporting the implementation, stressing the importance of building surveillance systems, lab capacity, and health workforce infrastructure.
Pakistan has received $18.7 million from the global Pandemic Fund to support the initiative, alongside $4.1 million in co-financing and $49.7 million in co-investment contributions.
