The Department of Pediatrics King Edward Medical University (KEMU) successfully hosted the inaugural ceremony of the “International Pediatric Infectious Diseases Symposium 2026” at the Asad Aslam Auditorium, Maqbool Ahmad Block. The symposium, themed “Pediatric Infections: From Old Nemeses to Emerging Threats,” served as a high-level forum for global experts to address the evolving challenges in child healthcare.
The ceremony was graced by a distinguished galaxy of medical luminaries, including Patron-in-Chief Prof. Mahmood Ayyaz (Vice Chancellor, KEMU), Chief Guest Dr. Muhammad Salman (CEO, National Institute of Health, Islamabad), Guests of Honour Prof. Khalid Masood Gondal (President CPSP & VC FJMU), Prof. Masood Sadiq (President PPA & VC University of Child Health Sciences), & Prof Muhammad Ashraf Sultan. Other notable attendees included Prof. Muhammad Moin (Pro-Vice Chancellor, KEMU), Prof. Asghar Naqi, Prof. Abrar Ashraf Ali, Chief Organizer Prof. Muhammad Faheem Afzal & Principal Gujranwala Medical College Prof. Muhammad Haroon Hamid.
The proceedings commenced with the opening remarks of Prof. Muhammad Faheem Afzal (Professor of Pediatrics & Program Director, Pediatric Infectious Diseases), who outlined the symposium’s strategic vision. He stated Pediatric infectious diseases remain a formidable challenge to our healthcare infrastructure. This symposium is designed to bridge the critical knowledge gap between historical nemeses and contemporary pathogens empowering our clinicians with the sophisticated research and diagnostic precision required to safeguard neonatal and pediatric lives. He further appraised the audience that King Edward Medical University Lahore is an accredited site for level IV training in the discipline of Pediatric Infectious Diseases.
Patron-in-Chief Vice Chancellor KEMU Prof. Mahmood Ayyaz (S.I.), in his comprehensive presidential address, underscored the university’s commitment to academic leadership King Edward Medical University has long stood as the epicenter of medical research and academic excellence in the region. Our mission transcends traditional pedagogy; we are dedicated to fostering a global intellectual ecosystem where international experts collaborate to redefine pediatric healthcare paradigms. This symposium is a cornerstone of our efforts to align Pakistan’s clinical practices with international standards, ensuring a resilient future for our children through evidence-based policy and innovation.
Chief Guest Dr. Muhammad Salman (CEO, NIH) highlighted national-level strategic interventions the National Institute of Health stands in total solidarity with KEMU in the frontline battle against pediatric morbidity. Strengthening national surveillance systems and ensuring rigorous compliance with Global Health Regulations and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) protocols is imperative to mitigate the risks posed by emerging viral strains. He assured NIH collaboration with KEMU.
Guest of Honour Prof. Khalid Masood Gondal (President CPSP) dilated upon the shifting landscape of pediatric ailments the complexities of pediatric infections are evolving exponentially. While we continue to grapple with endemic issues like Polio and Measles, the surge in novel viral threats demands a recalibration of our training modules. CPSP is integrating cutting-edge research into specialist training to ensure our pediatricians are not merely clinicians, but architects of preventive medicine.
Guest of Honour Prof. Masood Sadiq (President PPA) addressed clinical protocols and mortality reduction the Pakistan Pediatric Association is aggressively pursuing a roadmap to drastically reduce under-five mortality rates. Our priority remains the nationwide penetration of immunization frameworks to combat pneumonia and typhoid. Through this symposium, we aim to institutionalize standardized clinical protocols that ensure equitable and superior healthcare delivery for every child across the country.
Notable speakers and dignitaries included Prof Mobeen Rathore (USA), Prof Iqbal Memon, Prof Asad Ali (Karachi), Prof Ejaz A Khan, Prof Gen Salman (Islamabad) and Prof Tariq Iqbal Bhutta, Prof Sajid Maqbool, Prof Tahir Masood Ahmad (Lahore)
The event concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks by Dr. Mimpal Singh, who extended profound gratitude to the international speakers and organizers, while acknowledging the vital support of UNICEF, APPNA Peds and other collaborative partners in promoting the global child health agenda.