1st International KEMU Public Health Conference 2026 Concludes Successfully — Advancing Global Collaboration, Research, and Pakistan’s Health System
The two-day 1st International KEMU Public Health Conference 2026, organized by Department of Community Medicine, King Edward Medical University (KEMU), concluded successfully, marking a significant milestone in fostering academic excellence and global collaboration in public health. The conference brought together a large number of national and international experts, representatives of global organizations, researchers, and public health professionals, establishing itself as a prestigious and impactful scientific platform.
Over the course of two days, multiple parallel sessions (6) were conducted, with three parallel sessions on Day 1 drawing particular attention due to their diversity, insightfulness and technical expertise. These sessions featured experts from leading international organizations, notably UNICEF and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), who shared insights on key public health challenges, global trends, and effective strategies for improving health systems.
The conference included a diverse range of technical sessions, scientific presentations, and parallel sessions with meaningful discussions, where both local and international experts presented their research and shared professional experiences. Distinguished speakers included Dr. Dapeng Luo (WHO Pakistan), Dr. Muhammad Sartaj (UKHSA / British High Commission), and UNICEF Pakistan representatives, among others.
Key themes of the conference encompassed antimicrobial resistance, disease surveillance, maternal and child health, disaster management, climate change, and communicable as well as non-communicable diseases.
Senior faculty members and experts from various national and international institutions also participated, including Prof. Khalid Masood Gondal (VC FJMU), Prof. Saira Afzal (Dean IPH), Prof. Mulazim Hussain Bukhari (President PSP), Prof. Muhammad Moeen, Prof. Syed Asghar Naqi, Prof. Tehreem Fatima, Prof. Abrar Ashraf Ali, Prof. Ali Madeh Hashmi, Prof Faiza Bashir, Prof. Muhammad Imran, Prof. Shakeel, Prof. Moneeb Ashraf, Prof Nazish Imran, Prof Ali Madih Hashmi, Prof Minza, Prof Samar Ashraf, Prof Samina Saeed, Prof Ahsan Numan, Prof M Imran Hasan Khan, Prof Nukhbat Ullah, Prof Nasir Chaudhry, Prof Abbas Khokhar, Prof Faheem Afzal, Prof Uzair Ahmad Qureshi, Prof Mustehsan Bashir, Dr. Nasir Hamdani, Dr. Ain ul Monima, Dr. Muna Malik, Dr. Aisha Ghias, Dr. Asif Bhittani (Health Advisor, UKHSA), Dr. Zeeshan (Health Advisor, UKHSA), alongside Mr Abbas Zaidi Chairman standing committee of commerce and Mr Shaukat Chaudhary labour rights activist and senior consultant ILO.
Day 2 of the conference commenced with opening remarks by Professor Syed Razi Haider Zaidi (Chairman Community Medicine KEMU) and Chief Organizer of the conference, who highlighted the importance of the conference as it brings together global leadership and national excellence, shaping the future of public health and providing a platform where academic leaders and practitioners engage in meaningful dialogue, challenge ideas, and build essential networks. He emphasized that while the conference concludes today, the platform and spirit will continue, with a vision of returning next year and measuring impact through tangible indicators, ensuring sustainable efforts to improve health outcomes for vulnerable communities.
The honorable chief guest, Vice-Chancellor King Edward Medical University Professor Mahmood Ayyaz, addressed the national and international medical fraternity, stating that the conference reflects the university’s commitment to advancing global health and strengthening international partnerships. Reflecting on the institution’s 165-year legacy and its response to epidemics, he emphasized that public health extends beyond hospitals and is deeply connected to every life. He stressed the need to reduce rural-urban disparities through equity and modern technology.
He further stated that the goal is to build a Pakistan where no child dies due to lack of treatment, no mother fears childbirth, and no patient loses life due to poverty, emphasizing that healthcare must be delivered as a fundamental right with dignity for all citizens.
Professor Khalid Masood Gondal (VC FJMU) noted that public health is now a global responsibility and that integrating research and international collaboration into policymaking is essential. Dr. Dapeng Luo (WHO Pakistan) appreciated Pakistan’s health system and KEMU’s role, highlighting its potential to drive regional impact. Dr. Muhammad Sartaj (UKHSA) emphasized the importance of research-driven strategies and praised KEMU’s leadership in linking research with policy and practice.
The panel discussions, research presentations, and networking sessions reinforced the importance of international collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and evidence-based strategies in strengthening Pakistan’s public health sector.
The conference concluded as a strong platform for academic exchange and laid the foundation for future collaboration in research, policymaking, and institutional partnerships. King Edward Medical University reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its leadership role in public health in line with global standards.