Public Health Experts Emphasize Need To Incorporate Lifestyle Medicine As Essential Component Of Health Delivery System

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Apr, 2025) The 5th International Public Health Conference, organized by the Institute of Public Health and Social Sciences (IPHSS), Khyber Medical University (KMU), Peshawar, officially commenced under the theme “Public Health in a Changing World: Innovations, Challenges, and Opportunities.”

The conference featured multiple sessions focusing on the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and explored the potential of lifestyle medicine in addressing these health issues.

In his keynote address at the opening session, KMU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Zia UL Haq emphasized the need to incorporate lifestyle medicine as an essential component of public health policy.

He noted that globally, 35 million people lose their lives each year due to non-communicable diseases, accounting for 60% of all deaths, with 80% of these occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

In Pakistan, over 17.9 million people are currently suffering from NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and mental health disorders, largely due to unhealthy lifestyle habits.

Prof. Zia UL Haq highlighted that the world is facing a "triple burden" of disease—communicable, non-communicable, and mental health disorders.

He expressed concern that Pakistan’s healthcare system currently lacks adequate facilities to address the challenge posed by NCDs.

He introduced the six pillars of lifestyle medicine: balanced nutrition, physical activity, stress management, quality sleep, positive social connections, and the elimination of harmful habits.

He stressed the need for a fundamental shift in healthcare where practitioners incorporate lifestyle-based approaches into their daily clinical practice.

Prof. Dr. Zainab Samad discussed the importance of proactive preparedness and strengthening public health systems to prevent future pandemics like COVID-19.

Prof. Dr. Abdul Jaleel Khan elaborated on global strategies to combat NCDs, drawing from his experiences in the UK.

Dr. Saima Afaq emphasized the need to adopt a patient-centered approach while dealing with diseases such as diabetes, depression, and tuberculosis in Pakistan.

She stressed the importance of addressing not only the physical but also the psychological and social aspects of treatment for more effective health outcomes.

Dr. Muneera Abbasi also underscored the significance of lifestyle medicine within the public health domain and advocated for its inclusion in national health programs.

A panel discussion chaired by Prof. Dr. Zia UL Haq featured experts including Dr. Saima Afaq, Dr. Bilal, Dr. Babar Alam, Dr. Abidullah, Dr. Jaleel Khan, and Dr. Silsila Sherzad.

The panel deliberated on the rising prevalence of mental health issues, the increasing risk of NCDs among youth, the need for behavioral change, and the role of artificial intelligence and digital media in NCD prevention.

As part of the conference, various awareness stalls were set up by KMU students and partner organizations to educate participants about balanced diets, exercise, and preventive health measures.

These stalls received an overwhelmingly positive response from attendees.

Another highlight of the conference was the organization of five thematic plenary sessions on public health topics.

These sessions were supervised by field experts and featured a large number of young researchers who presented their work on a wide range of issues.