Islamabad: Health Services Academy and Promoting National Cohesion have agreed on a broad frame of activities for improving public health sector in Pakistan. The initiative includes several activities including Capacity Building of Health Workers. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, Vice Chancelor HSA and Ms. Misha Mazhar, Chief Executive Officer PNC here at Health Services Academy, Islamabad.
The collaboration fosters cooperation in planning, development, and implementation of health initiatives, including but not limited to introduction of Life Skills Based Education for Health sector, Reproductive Health Services, Eye Healthcare, Immunization Programs and other public health interventions. Moreover, the partnership aims to strengthen institutional collaboration, enhance technical capacity and jointly pursue funding opportunities to improve health outcomes across Pakistan.
Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, Vice Chancelor Health Services Academy commented that he looks forward to the implementation of this understanding towards benefit of masses across the country. “This partnership could help millions of people in getting access to the public health infrastructure adopting unique communication, community mobilization and SBCC approaches,” added Dr. Khan.
The partnership entails multiple activities for public health initiative in a coordinated and segmented approach. It includes planning and implementation of health-related projects including RHR, eye health, immunization, LSBE in health, and community health initiatives. For this purpose, the capacity building of health workers, program staff, and community stakeholders will be employed. It includes joint development of proposals for submission to national and international donors and sharing of technical expertise, research insights, and programmatic guidance.
Interestingly, it includes development and refinement of innovative health interventions for future funding and implementation as well. One of the core components of the partnership include Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC), Social Mobilization and Community Engagement for health interventions.
Ms. Misha Mazhar, Chief Executive Officer PNC stated that the partnership will provide HAS with direct engagement with the communities across the country owing to a large network of the organization. She added that PNC’s V4C Network includes several thousand young people who could assist in implementing complex project activities by involving energetic and motivated youth specifically from the region.
Under the agreement, HAS will provide technical support, guidance, and cooperation to PNC in the implementation of health projects including ECD, RHR, CHWs trainings, Eye health care etc. It will also facilitate capacity building initiatives, support provision of services related to health program implementation as well as assist in required documentation, approvals, and coordination with relevant stakeholders. HAS will also provide support in establishment of Social Franchising and CHW trainings.
Similarly, the PNC will implement health-related programs in coordination with HSA and share periodic updates, reports, and progress on health projects with HSA. It will also provide support and commitment in adaptation of Life Skills-Based Education for health to empower young people with essential knowledge and skills—such as critical thinking, decision-making, and communication—to manage their physical, sexual, and reproductive health.
The organization will share lessons learned, innovations, and models related to social mobilization, capacity building, and behavior change communication based on its previous experience in health programming. Moreover, it will ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and donor requirements during project implementation.
During the ceremony, several stakeholders were present including national and international development partners, representatives from government institutions, health experts, PNC Board of Directors, media, and colleagues from HSA.
Health Services Academy (HSA) is premier research & teaching institute of public health under Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination. Promoting National Cohesion (PNC) is a women led not for profit organization creating a harmonious and inclusive society where every individual feels valued and empowered.
