ISLAMABAD: National and international medical experts, researchers and healthcare institutions will gather in Islamabad on Friday, November 13, for the one-day Future Health 2035 summit to explore strategies for preventing and treating genetic disorders in Pakistan.
Organised by the Strive Eradication of Disability Foundation in collaboration with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), the event will feature a conference and an expo highlighting developments in healthcare, emerging medical technologies and innovative approaches to disease prevention and treatment.
The summit aims to promote the integration of genetic screening, early detection and genomic medicine into Pakistan’s healthcare system, with a focus on improving access to timely diagnosis, treatment and support for people affected by inherited disorders.
Strive Chief Executive Officer Yasir Khan said genetic disease treatment was often prohibitively expensive and remained beyond the reach of many affected families, even when available in Pakistan. He said the initiative sought to emphasise prevention through public awareness and the use of emerging medical technologies.
Khan noted that advances in medical science, including genome sequencing and gene editing, were opening new possibilities for disease management, physical rehabilitation and greater independence for people living with genetic conditions.
He said the summit would bring together national and international expertise to develop partnerships aimed at making advanced treatments and therapies more accessible to affected communities across the country.
Focus on Screening, Diagnosis and Patient Care
The conference will feature sessions on inherited disorders, genetic risk assessment, screening, counselling and the role of genetic testing and genome sequencing in accurate diagnosis. Participants will also discuss data privacy, quality standards and strategies to expand access to genetic services in Pakistan.
Special attention will be given to Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), two genetic conditions that can significantly affect muscle function and mobility.
Clinical geneticists and genomic scientists will examine how genetic screening and genomic medicine can facilitate early detection and support informed healthcare decisions. Sessions on SMA will cover diagnosis, disease progression, available treatments and their effectiveness, rehabilitation and respiratory care.
Patient and family experiences, international advances in SMA management and opportunities to improve access to treatment and support in Pakistan will also feature in the discussions.
Biomedical engineering experts will explore emerging technologies, including brain-computer interfaces, robotics and intelligent prosthetics, and their potential to restore function, improve mobility and enhance the quality of life of people with disabilities.
Healthcare Expo to Showcase Innovation
Alongside the conference, the expo will feature academic stalls, medical laboratories, innovative technologies and other healthcare developments. A dedicated family and children’s play area, as well as food stalls, will also be available for visitors.
Through expert discussions, technology demonstrations and collaboration opportunities, the organisers aim to encourage a more accessible and forward-looking approach to genetic healthcare in Pakistan, strengthening efforts towards early diagnosis, improved treatment options and better support for affected individuals and their families.
