ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan SMA Symposium 2026 was held at Serena Hotel Islamabad under the auspices of STRIVE (Strive Eradication of Disability Foundation), bringing together doctors, medical experts, researchers, academics, civil society representatives, affected families, volunteers and other stakeholders to discuss challenges and emerging opportunities related to Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
The symposium focused on raising awareness about SMA, promoting early diagnosis and genetic screening, improving access to modern treatment, strengthening research and addressing the challenges faced by patients and their families.
Chief Health Sector Reforms Unit (HSRU), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dr Syed Ijaz Ali Shah; Chairman Zakat and Ushr Council Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Imtiaz Khan; and Chairman STRIVE Muhammad Yasir Khan were among the prominent participants.
A significant feature of the symposium was the participation of professors, heads of departments and academic experts from various universities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. They shared their perspectives on SMA, genetic disorders, medical research, recent advances in treatment and the future of medical science.
Researchers working on SMA at the international level also participated in the event, including experts from Poland, the United Kingdom and other European countries. Their participation provided an international dimension to the symposium and helped strengthen academic and research linkages between Pakistan and the global SMA research community.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Syed Ijaz Ali Shah paid tribute to parents and families of SMA patients for their continued struggle and commitment to securing better lives and futures for their children.
He said greater awareness about rare and complex diseases such as SMA must be accompanied by effective support systems for patients and their families.
Chairman STRIVE Muhammad Yasir Khan said SMA was not merely a medical condition but a collective challenge requiring coordinated efforts from patients, families, doctors, researchers, government institutions, media, civil society and social organizations.
He said STRIVE was working to expand SMA awareness across Pakistan, promote early diagnosis, encourage research and help improve access to treatment and support services for affected individuals.
Yasir Khan also announced that STRIVE would organize a major SMA Summit on October 30 and 31, 2026, at Tulip Marquee, Islamabad. He said the summit would bring together patients, parents, doctors, medical experts, local and international researchers, policymakers, universities, civil society organizations, volunteers and other stakeholders on a common platform.
During the symposium, speakers discussed the signs and symptoms of SMA, early diagnosis, genetic screening, modern treatment options, patient care, research and future strategies for addressing SMA in Pakistan.
Medical experts and researchers emphasized that timely diagnosis, appropriate medical guidance and access to modern treatment can play an important role in improving the quality of life of people affected by SMA.
Speakers also called for greater public awareness, improved medical facilities, expanded genetic diagnostic services, stronger research initiatives and policy-level interventions to provide better support to children and families affected by the rare genetic disorder.
The symposium concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to expanding awareness, research and advocacy for SMA patients and their rights. They emphasized the need for stronger coordination among government institutions, universities, healthcare professionals, researchers, media, civil society, patients and families to develop a sustainable support system for SMA in Pakistan.
According to STRIVE, the Pakistan SMA Symposium 2026 was more than an awareness event, serving as a platform for collective dialogue, knowledge-sharing and research collaboration aimed at strengthening the response to SMA in Pakistan.
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