Experts to Gather in Islamabad for Future Health 2035 on Genetic Disorders

ISLAMABAD: National and international medical experts, researchers and healthcare institutions will attend a one-day summit, Future Health 2035, on Friday, November 13, to discuss cooperation for the prevention and treatment of genetic disorders in Pakistan.

The summit is being organised by the Strive Eradication of Disability Foundation in collaboration with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund. It will include a conference and an expo highlighting developments in the healthcare sector.

The event aims to encourage the inclusion of genetic screening, early detection and genomic medicine in Pakistan’s healthcare system. Organisers say the initiative is intended to support prevention, timely diagnosis and treatment of genetic disorders.

The expo will feature academic stalls, medical laboratories, innovative technologies and other healthcare advances. A family and play area for children, along with food stalls, will also be part of the event to make it accessible and engaging for visitors of different age groups.

Strive Chief Executive Officer Yasir Khan said treatment for genetic diseases was often highly expensive and, even when available in Pakistan, remained beyond the reach of affected communities. He said the focus, therefore, should be on prevention through awareness and the use of emerging medical technologies.

He said global progress in medical science, including genome sequencing and gene editing, had opened new possibilities for disease management, physical rehabilitation and greater independence for affected individuals.

Yasir Khan said the summit would bring together national and international expertise to explore partnerships that could help make advanced treatments and therapies more accessible to affected communities across Pakistan.

Different sessions will be held during the day on inherited disorders, genetic risk assessment, screening and counselling, and the role of genetic testing and genome sequencing in accurate diagnosis. Discussions will also cover data privacy, quality standards and measures to improve access to genetic services in Pakistan.

Special attention will be given to Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Clinical geneticists and genomic scientists will discuss how genetic screening and genomic medicine can help in early detection and informed healthcare decisions.

Biomedical engineering experts will also examine emerging technologies, including brain-computer interfaces, robotics and intelligent prosthetics, and their potential to restore function and improve mobility.

Sessions on SMA will focus on diagnosis, disease progression, available treatments and their effectiveness, rehabilitation and respiratory care. Patient and family experiences, international developments in SMA care, and opportunities to improve access to treatment and support in Pakistan will also be discussed.