Pakistan observed International Self-Care Day on July 24 by hosting its first national dialogue on self-care. Haleon Pakistan organised the event to encourage discussions on prevention, health literacy and individual responsibility in healthcare.

The dialogue, titled “Self-Care as a Public Health Imperative,” brought together senior government officials, healthcare professionals, academics, development partners, business leaders, civil society representatives and members of the media.

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Among the participants were Joint Secretary of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Syed Salahuddin Ahmed, and British Deputy High Commissioner to Karachi Alison Blackburne.

Experts Stress Prevention and Health Literacy

The event featured a welcome address by Haleon Pakistan Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Qawi Naseer, followed by a keynote speech from Syed Salahuddin Ahmed.

Speaking during the event, Ahmed said Pakistan must prioritise prevention, health literacy and responsible self-care alongside medical treatment.

He said stronger collaboration between federal and provincial institutions can help people make informed health decisions while building a more resilient healthcare system.

Panel Discusses Future of Self-Care

A panel discussion brought together healthcare and academic experts, including Dr Ahson Qavi Siddiqi, Chief Executive Officer of the Sindh Healthcare Commission, Dr Samar Fatima of Aga Khan University’s Centre of Clinical Best Practices, Dr Humaira Jamshed of Habib University and Dr Zulfiqar Ahmed Siddiqui, Health Specialist at UNICEF.

The panellists discussed the role of education, prevention and public awareness in improving healthcare outcomes across Pakistan.

Haleon Calls for Greater Public Awareness

Qawi Naseer said self-care extends beyond self-medication and includes making informed health decisions through reliable information and healthier daily habits.

He said every Pakistani makes health-related decisions every day, making access to trusted information essential for improving public health.

The dialogue concluded with participants reaffirming the need for continued collaboration among government, healthcare institutions and the private sector to strengthen health literacy and integrate self-care into Pakistan’s broader public health strategy.