The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has established itself as one of the most important regional organizations, with a wide-reaching influence that spans multiple sectors, including security, trade, energy and cultural cooperation. Although the organization's primary focus has historically been on security and counter-terrorism, it has increasingly broadened its scope to encompass issues that transcend borders, including economic integration, technological innovation and more recently, health diplomacy.

Health diplomacy within the SCO is becoming a crucial area of cooperation as global health challenges intensify. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of cross-border collaboration in the health sector, from the development and distribution of vaccines to ensuring the resilience of healthcare systems. SCO member states are not immune to these challenges, with many facing the dual burden of existing healthcare infrastructure gaps and the pressing need to modernize healthcare delivery through innovation in medical technology.

The upcoming 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the SCO in Islamabad is set to be a pivotal moment for advancing health diplomacy within the organization. This meeting, which will take place from October 14 to 17, 2024, will be attended by heads of government from across the region, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The significance of this high-level visit cannot be understated. It reflects the strengthening ties between SCO members, particularly Pakistan and China, and opens the door for deeper cooperation in areas like healthcare, which have traditionally been overlooked in favor of more immediate security concerns.

For Pakistan, hosting this meeting is an opportunity of immense strategic and economic importance. As a member of the SCO, Pakistan has actively participated in regional security and trade initiatives, but its healthcare system has yet to fully benefit from the potential offered by this regional partnership. With the upcoming meeting held in Islamabad, Pakistan is uniquely positioned to advocate for greater collaboration in health diplomacy. The country's healthcare system must contend with issues ranging from inadequate facilities in rural areas to a shortage of healthcare professionals.

Moreover, Pakistan has the potential to become a regional hub for healthcare cooperation, given its strategic location and growing influence within the SCO. Pakistan has the chance to push for concrete initiatives in healthcare. For instance, Pakistan could advocate for the creation of a regional health task force within the SCO, aimed at coordinating responses to health emergencies, sharing best practices in public health, and ensuring the equitable distribution of medical supplies and vaccines. Such an initiative could be modeled after successful global health alliances but tailored to the unique needs and capacities of SCO member states.

The potential for collaboration extends beyond just government-to-government relations. Private sector partnerships within the SCO can also play a critical role in advancing healthcare objectives. Pakistan's burgeoning technology sector, combined with the expertise of other SCO members in medical research and development, presents an opportunity for joint ventures in medical technology. These collaborations could lead to the development of new healthcare innovations that not only benefit SCO countries but also have the potential for global impact. Additionally, the growing focus on vaccine research within the SCO offers Pakistan a platform to collaborate on vaccine development and distribution, ensuring that the region is better prepared for future pandemics.

The presence of heads of government, particularly China's Premier Li Qiang, at the meeting in Islamabad further highlights the importance of these discussions. China has been a leader in health diplomacy, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it played a key role in vaccine development and distribution across the globe, including to SCO countries. By strengthening ties with China and other member states, Pakistan stands to gain from these advancements in healthcare. The SCO's focus on health diplomacy presents a unique opportunity for Pakistan to tap into regional resources and expertise to improve its healthcare system, enhance its capacity for dealing with health crises and position itself as a leader in regional health cooperation.

For Pakistan, the upcoming meeting represents more than just an opportunity to host world leaders—it is a chance to shape the future of health diplomacy within the SCO and beyond. Through partnerships, innovation and collaboration, the SCO can lead the way in addressing global health challenges, with Pakistan playing a central role in this evolving dynamic. The 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government in Islamabad could mark a turning point in how the SCO approaches healthcare, with potential for long-term benefits not only for Pakistan but for the entire region.

Muhammad Shahbaz is president of China Pakistan Medical Association and
ambassador of Silk Road Friendship. The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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