Our Staff Reporter
Islamabad
An international workshop concluded in Pakistan Academy of Sciences. The theme was“Science Community (in Pakistan) and Challenges of Health and Nutrition in the context of Sustainable Development Goals”. The workshop specifically addressed Health and SDGs in Pakistan. The speakers highlighted the issues and there was a consensus that all 17 goals ate interconnected and you have to address all to achieve targets of one goal. Primary Aim of the workshop was to initiate a multi-stakeholder planning exercise on public health and nutrition in Pakistan and Sustainable Development Goals.
Secretary General of Pakistan Academy of Sciences, Prof. Zabta Shinwari was of the opinion that Pakistan may be talking about Policy for Science but their policies are not based on scientific ground. We need to use Science for Policy too. His talk was about “National Healthcare System
Challenges & Roadmap to achieve SDGs”. He insisted to focus on indigenous knowledge in health care system that will help in promoting traditional herbal medicine and save hard currency too.
There is a growing recognition that efforts to solve today’s critical challenges – ranging from global climate change to the need to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – require international cooperation.
SDGs seek a transformation across the entire development landscape that explicitly requires inclusive economic growth, infrastructure and jobs, access to modern energy and industrial development and innovation. These constitute the development priorities of the Global South.
The need for mobilizing the national and regional science academies to improve science education in collaboration with relevant international organizations and stakeholders, such as scientists, teachers and educational authorities. Reaching the destination, which we all seek, require everyone to contribute. South-South cooperation in education and research may prove to be the best way to ensure success in the long run.
Dr Zeba Sathar highlighted issues regarding Population growth, demographics and adolescent health in Pakistan.
Vice Chancellor Khyber Medical University, Dr Mohammad Hafizullah, spoke about Non communicable Diseases & SDGs in Pakistan; what can be done? Dr Mohammad Zaman From Boston University, USA was of the opinion that the Science Diaspora can contribute to achieving SDGs in Pakistan? Dr Sohail Naqvi (Vice Chancellor, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore) had an excellent presentation about Higher Education & Capacity Development for Science & Technology in Pakistan: lessons learnt. Dr Zulfiqar A Bhutta of Aghan Khan University presented data about Maternal and Child Health in Pakistan: making up for the MDGs. Gender issues & Adolescent health in Pakistan and SDG 5 were deliberated by Ms Yasmin Qazi (David & Lucile Packard Foundation & BMGF).
