Meeting of National Coordinator CMU and Advisor Malaria with the Director General Health Services and Additional Director General Health Services Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Peshawar on 12 Dec 2024 to discuss about planned Insecticide Treated Nets mass campaign in Merged Areas, finalise districts for the campaign and date for the Provincial Coordination Committee Meeting.
Today dated 5th Dec, 2024, CMU technical team, held a meeting under the chair of National Coordinator, CMU, with WHO Country Office team, comprised of Dr Narra, Public Health Specialist (Disease Control), cluster lead for both the Communicable (TB, HIV, Malaria) & Non-communicable diseases and Dr Laeeq Ahmad, NPO (TB). WCO team was apprised on CMU TB performance through a brief presentation and a detailed discussion was done on the current challenges and way forward including roll out of, Gene Xpert machines, digital Xrays with AI and shorter treatment regimens for MDR TB and TPT. Dr Nara showed her interest for more close collaboration and WCO active engagement in CMU, MAF initiative for engaging all relevant stakeholders for TB prevention and care and Prime initiative for robust epidemiological review and National and provincial Strategic Plans development. It was decided that the MAF and Prime initiatives will be conducted during first quarter 2025 for further roll out across the country. The National Coordinator appreciates the ongoing technical support of WHO and emphasized on future close collaboration.
Special editions/supplements in leading newspapers for World AIDS Day 2024, featuring messages from the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Health, and the Federal Secretary of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination.
World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1st, is a global initiative to raise awareness, show support for those living with HIV, and commemorate lives lost to AIDS-related illnesses. This day serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against the stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV while highlighting the importance of equitable access to prevention, treatment, and care. The 2024 theme, “Take the Rights Path,” emphasizes the critical need to uphold human rights in the global HIV response. It urges governments, communities, and individuals to address inequalities and empower everyone with the knowledge, resources, and support necessary to live with dignity and achieve a future free of AIDS.
Take the RIGHTS Path – Message by Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Health MoNHSR&C – World AIDS Day 2024
Take the RIGHTS Path – Message by Nadeem Mahbub, Federal Secretary MoNHSR&C on World AIDs Day 2024
The Global Fund Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted a fact-checking meeting with the CMU team on November 19, 2024, for the 2024 Audit. OIG presented its findings, followed by detailed discussions addressing key issues, ensuring accuracy and transparency. Collaborative efforts aimed to enhance audit outcomes and strengthen accountability measures.
A strategic meeting with BMGF was held, involving the Common Management Unit, provincial teams, and technical partners. Dr. Qasim Abbas, National Coordinator-CMU, participated alongside Mr. Guy Stallworthy from BMGF in Bali, Indonesia. Discussions centered on strengthening health systems, integrating innovative solutions, and advancing collaborative efforts for enhanced disease control and public health outcomes.
The meeting on the progress of the DHIS2 Tracker in Pakistan, organized by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and attended by Dr Sabeen Afzal, Director Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination (MNHSR&C); Dr Qasim Abbas, National Coordinator-CMU; Provincial TB Control Program Manager and various technical partners.
Friends of Pakistan Meeting 2024, held during the Union Conference in Bali, Indonesia organized by Common Management Unit under the leadership of Dr Qasim Abbas National Coordinator-CMU. Dr. Sabeen Afzal Director MoNHSR&C chaired the meeting and thanked the participants for their participation, commitment and dedication. Key participants included Dr. Dapang Luo, WHO Representative for Pakistan; Dr. Jacob Craswel, Head of Innovations and Strategies at the Stop TB Partnership; Dr. Natalia from JSI ; and Dr. Guy Stallworthy of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Provincial Program managers also participated in the meeting .Representatives from USAID, the Global Fund, and KNCV, Mercy Corps, Dopasi, ASD, ACD also attended the meeting.The discussion underscored a shared commitment to advancing Pakistan’s TB response through collaboration and innovation and community engagement.
National TB Control Program through Multi-country Grant organized TB awareness seminars and chest camps within Afghan refugee camps of district Charsada, Bunir and Chatral using a mobile van equipped with a digital X-ray facility. 25 TB patients were detected and registered for treatment at nearest health facilities.
On November 1, 2024, the CMU Malaria Technical Working Group (TWG) and National Steering Committee (NSC) gathered at Islamabad’s Marriott Hotel to strategize the forthcoming Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) campaign. Key stakeholders, including WHO, IHHN, CMU Malaria Technical Unit, Cheif Audit , Chief Finance, and Technical Working Group members, collaborated on resource allocation and campaign planning to strengthen malaria prevention efforts.
