On the second day of a high-level public health conference in Islamabad, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Mr. Syed Mustafa Kamal, delivered a candid and impactful address, laying bare the serious health challenges confronting the country. The event, organized by the National Institute of Health (NIH), brought together national and international experts to forge a path toward improved disease surveillance and outbreak preparedness, with a sharp focus on diarrheal diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Minister Kamal praised the NIH for its leadership in organizing the landmark event, calling it a “vital initiative to advance Pakistan’s capacity in outbreak preparedness and diarrheal disease control.” He expressed optimism that the outcomes of the conference would lead to “impactful and sustainable solutions.”

Highlighting the severe burden of waterborne diseases, the Minister stated, “68% of diseases in Pakistan are caused by consuming contaminated water. Providing clean water alone could prevent 68% of these illnesses.” He criticized the absence of basic infrastructure, noting the lack of an effective sewerage treatment system nationwide. “From the peaks of Gilgit to the shores of Karachi, sewage is mixing with drinking water,” he said.

Minister Kamal also raised alarms over a series of troubling health statistics. “Pakistan has become a leading country in patients suffering from Hepatitis C and diabetes. 40% of Pakistani children are malnourished, leading to stunted growth,” he remarked. He further noted that polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and pointed out that 26 million children remain out of school.