Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust's (MPFT) associate medical director of public health, Professor Zafar Iqbal hosted an international discussion on the benefits of working in a public health system and how public health could be strengthened in Pakistan.

The webinar, which brought together representatives from many organisations including the British High Commissioner, the Pakistan High Commission in London and special advisers to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, builds upon MPFTs ongoing partnership with Pakistan and its close relationship with the Pakistan military.

The webinar gave an opportunity to highlight and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Pakistan’s public health system. Pakistan, like many countries, is reviewing its public health system as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which provided an opportunity for Pakistan to consider the system it needs to meet current and future public health challenges.

Professor Iqbal, who is also a representative of the Faculty of Public Health said: “Public health plays an important role in the prevention of disease, promotion of health and strengthening of the healthcare system of any country. Pakistan is facing many new challenges in terms of public health and there is an important debate to be had.

“I am proud to work in partnership with our Pakistani colleagues to strengthen the public health system there. MPFT is a keen supporter of projects that tackle health inequalities and we are happy to build upon our existing relationship with Pakistan.

“Pakistan needs its own system to meet its own challenges but much can be learnt from the public health system in the UK and other countries. The webinar provided some interesting discussion and a good foundation on which to build a way forward.”