“Preparedness and Response for Mass Gathering and other Health Threats”

National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad
A two-day workshop on Preparedness and Response for Mass Gathering and other Health concluded in Islamabad
The National Institute of Health (NIH) organized the two-day International Training Workshop on the “Preparedness and Response for Mass Gathering and other Health Threats” on 30-31 January 2023. It was organized in collaboration with European Union Centers of Excellence Initiative and International Science and Technology Center. Purpose of the workshop to enhance the public health preparedness of different sectors and their roles in public health emergency management. The workshop was inaugurated by Mirza Nasir ud Din Mashhood Ahmad, Special Secretary MoNHSR&C.

Over 100 experts from different departments, including water and sanitation, food, chemical, hygiene and public health across the country participated in the workshop. More than 14 subject matter experts from Central Asian states, EU and UK facilitated the workshop with tabletop and functional exercises during the event. Furthermore, establishment of a Poison Information Center at NIH Pakistan which will be the first center in the Central Asian region was also discussed.

Public health threats and emergencies pose devastating impacts, not only on the lives and well-being of people, but also on travel, trade, national economies, and societies. The effects of public health emergencies can be mitigated if the preparedness and response plans are well established. The event was highly appreciated by all the participants.