20 June 2021 – WHO is the global guardian of public health and is committed to achieving better health for everyone, everywhere. WHO works side by side with federal and provincial ministries of health and health departments and other partners to ensure the highest attainable level of health for all people regardless of gender, social economic conditions, cast and creed. WHO aims to be an organization that pursues excellence, contributes to greater coherence in global health, and most important of all, achieves better population health outcomes.
Recently, WHO expanded its presence in Pakistan by opening a suboffice in Gilgit Baltistan to realise WHO’s vision of a strengthened health care system, catering to the health needs of local people and providing technical support to the provincial health ministry. Dr Palitha Mahipala, WHO Representative in Pakistan, opened the office and reiterated WHO's support to Pakistan in progressing towards universal health coverage by providing equitable access to quality health services that are integrated, safe and people-centred.
Dr Palitha said, “It gives me immense pleasure to open this WHO suboffice in Gilgit Baltistan. This confirms our commitment to serving the people of Gilgit Baltistan in matters pertaining to health and improving the health indicators of this area. Also, the newly built office ensures a facility that conforms to environmental and safety norms and efficiently accommodates staff, giving WHO staff a conducive environment which will help them in bringing out their best abilities, enhancing their performance while carrying out their professional duties."
WHO has its main office in Islamabad, and a strong presence in all four provinces of the country. WHO, cognizant of the fact that the public health is ever evolving and is continually challenging, is ready to evolve to meet new demands and adapt the ways in which it works. WHO contributes to improving public health by conducting surveillance and preparedness activities, carrying out field visits and deploying staff in emergencies, sharing data and key information, performing on-site and desk research and analysis, conducting training, sharing guidelines and donating medical supplies, vehicles and other equipment to strengthen the health care system in the country.