The 6th National Conference on “Climate Change & Health: Emerging Challenges & Solutions” was held at Bahria University Health Sciences Karachi Campus (BUHSCK) on Monday, drawing experts, policymakers, researchers, and students from Pakistan and abroad to address one of the most pressing global issues of our time.
The event, hosted at the Ibn-e-Sina Auditorium, commenced with Quran recitation and a welcome address by Vice Admiral (R) Athar Mukhtar HI(M), Director General BUHSCK. He called for urgent and collaborative efforts to mitigate the health impacts of climate change, stressing the integration of environmental policies with public health strategies for sustainable solutions. Keynote speakers included renowned experts such as Prof. Dr. Mehtab Karim, Professor Emeritus at Aga Khan University and Senior Fellow at George Mason University, who elaborated on the global health repercussions of climate change. Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Bhutta, an internationally recognized authority on child and maternal health, joined virtually to discuss the environmental challenges affecting these vulnerable groups.
Dr. Khalid Mehmood, CEO of Getz Pharma, highlighted the pharmaceutical industry’s role in addressing climate-induced health crises. Chief Guest Prof. Dr. Mohammed Saeed Quraishy T.I, Vice Chancellor of Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi, emphasized collective responsibility in addressing climate-related health issues. “Sustainable solutions require unified efforts from all stakeholders,” he stated.
The Dean of Health Sciences at BUHSCK, Maj. Gen. (R) Prof. Dr. Shehla M. Baqai HI (M), reinforced the urgent need for innovative strategies to combat the climate-health crisis. She stressed that building climate-resilient health systems and fostering global cooperation are essential to tackling this emergency. The conference featured a diverse range of activities, including scientific sessions, student research presentations, poster competitions, and panel discussions. Key recommendations included: Implementing integrated policies addressing both climate change and public health. Enhancing cross-sector collaboration and investing in climate-resilient health systems. Promoting sustainable practices at local, national, and global levels. Vice Admiral (R) Asif Khaliq HI(M), Rector of Bahria University, presented a souvenir to the Chief Guest, acknowledging his contribution and support for the conference.
