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ISLAMABAD, October 16, 2026: Pediatric experts from Pakistan and abroad gathered in Islamabad on Friday for the opening of the 28th Biennial International Pediatric Conference. The three-day event focuses on the latest research, diagnostic methods and treatment strategies in child healthcare.
Organized by the Pakistan Pediatric Association (PPA) Federal Branch, the conference is being held at Serena Hotel Islamabad under the theme, “Next-Generation Child Health Care: From Research to Excellence.”
According to the organizers, more than 5,000 doctors and pediatric specialists from Pakistan and other countries are expected to attend the event, which runs until October 18. Islamabad is hosting the conference after a gap of ten years.
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Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani attended the inaugural ceremony on Friday evening as the chief guest and addressed the participants.
The opening day began with a scientific session on immunization and preventive pediatrics. Experts discussed breastfeeding, immunization throughout life, vaccine hesitancy, meningococcal B disease and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.
Dr. Syed Saeed Qadir of UNICEF, Prof. Aqeel Khattak, Prof. Nuzhat Yasmeen and Dr. Saima Khurshid Zubair delivered keynote and invited presentations.
Researchers also presented a study examining mothers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning immunization for children under five in Quetta.
The first plenary session featured Dr. Qurrat-ul-Ain of the UNICEF Punjab Field Office, who discussed community-level interventions to save newborn and child lives. Prof. Sohail Salat and Prof. Asghar Butt chaired the session, while Prof. Sughra Wahid served as moderator.
In addition to the scientific discussions, the Gold Medal Committee and PPA Executive Committee held meetings during the day.
Over the next two days, parallel sessions will address several areas of pediatric medicine, including gastroenterology, critical care, endocrinology, hematology and oncology, and infectious diseases.
A dedicated session will also review national pediatric clinical practice guidelines. These guidelines cover convulsive status epilepticus, acute appendicitis, septic shock, organophosphorus poisoning and diabetic ketoacidosis, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Prof. Dr. Maqbool Hussain said the conference had brought leading pediatricians and international experts together to address major challenges in child health.
“Every child deserves care based on the latest evidence,” he said.
Prof. Hussain, president of the PPA Federal Branch and chair of the Organizing Committee, also highlighted the event’s role in promoting academic and research collaboration in pediatrics.
Dr. Raja Muhammad Imran, co-chair of the Organizing Committee and head of the PPA Federal Branch Media Cell, said the strong participation reflected the medical community’s commitment to improving child healthcare.
He added that recommendations emerging from the conference could help shape future health policy.
According to the organizers, the event aims to encourage knowledge-sharing on medical research, disease diagnosis and treatment, healthcare technology and international scientific developments.
Furthermore, participants are expected to develop updated guidelines and policy recommendations on child health. The organizers plan to present these proposals to government institutions to support improvements in Pakistan’s pediatric healthcare system.
Prof. Dr. Nuzhat Yasmeen, Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Prof. Salman Ali, Prof. Dr. Samia Naeemullah, Dr. J. Krishan, Dr. Aqeela Ayub, Dr. Jawad Jalil and Dr. Raja Muhammad Imran were among those who played key roles in organizing the event, alongside Prof. Maqbool Hussain.
The conference is expected to strengthen professional links between Pakistani and international pediatricians while promoting the exchange of medical knowledge and evidence-based approaches to child healthcare.
[…] Islamabad Hosts 28th International Pediatric Conference on Child Healthcare […]