On October 20 a multisectoral seminar on Multispectral Coordination for Managing Diseases of Pandemic Potential brought together experts from health, environment, livestock and food sectors to reinforce coordinated action for national resilience. The event was chaired by the Secretary Planning and Development Department AJK and organized by the Health Services Academy with technical support from Pak One Health Alliance.
Dr. Tariq Mehmood Ali, National Coordinator One Health, highlighted advocacy, awareness and workforce development as central goals. He urged improved communication, coordination, collaboration and capacity building across sectors and outlined practical steps to break sectoral silos, including competency frameworks, joint training modules, mentorship programs and ICT-based real-time surveillance that links human, animal and environmental data.
Dr. Mursalin emphasized the local relevance of rising urbanization, zoonotic threats, antimicrobial resistance, vector- and food-borne diseases and climate-related health risks, and presented findings from a recent training needs assessment that point to gaps in cross-sectoral preparedness.
Dr. Shafqat, Director Environment, stressed environmental health and waste management as essential elements of the response, while Dr. Irum Gillani, Public Health Specialist, called for stronger disease awareness and greater engagement of the medical workforce. The Director General Livestock AJK focused on AMR control, food safety and improved farm biosecurity. Dr. Beenish outlined the impact of brucellosis and approaches to manage it under the One Health umbrella, and Mr. Imran from POHA showcased successful integrated One Health systems from around the world and their effect on global health security.
Participants from all departments offered practical insights and reached consensus on reviewing existing policies, strengthening legislation on antibiotic use, and developing shared surveillance and emergency preparedness plans. The seminar concluded with a collective commitment to build a sustainable, research-driven One Health system in AJK through joint planning, data integration and policy alignment, reinforcing resilience for the Kashmir Valley and the wider national health landscape.
