JICA Chair Seminar “Introduction of Public Health Service in Japan; What lessons can we learn to improve healthcare in Pakistan?”

The JICA chair seminar was conducted at the Health Services Academy (HSA) in partnership with HSA and JICA on November 21, 2024, in Islamabad. The seminar was attended by Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, Vice Chancellor, HSA and Mr. Naoaki Miyata, Chief Representative, JICA Pakistan Office. The guest speakers were Dr. Tomoko Komagata, Tokyo Women Medical University and Dr. Maryam Sarfraz, HSA. The attendees included the Bachelor of Science in Midwifery students from HSA, along with representatives from donor organizations and public institutions.

The objective of JICA chair is to share Japan’s experiences and lessons learned through its modernization and development cooperation in light of its historical and cultural background. JICA Chair activities include short intensive lectures in various fields including public health conducted by lecturer dispatched from Japan.

Dr. Tomoko Komagata in her lecture highlighted the Japan’s experiences of public health services and key features which contribute to improve maternal and child health mortality. Dr. Maryam Sarfraz in her lecture highlighted the current situation of mother and child health and suggested ways to improve the situation in Pakistan.

The sharing of Japan's experiences and lessons learned significantly inspired current and future leaders in Pakistan's maternal and child health sector.