ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Aug, 2026) The World Health Organization (WHO), the Government of Pakistan, provincial authorities and development partners on Wednesday joined a national conference to strengthen long-term health emergency preparedness and response to climate-driven hazards. The National Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Conference, held under the leadership of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, focused on strengthening emergency preparedness and response, improving coordination among health-sector stakeholders, ensuring timely data sharing for evidence-based decisions, optimizing resources and maintaining uninterrupted essential health services, particularly for vulnerable populations. He emphasized the need to strengthen preparedness before disasters occurred and said protecting vulnerable populations should remain a key priority in the context of climate change. The Global Climate Index 2026 also ranks Pakistan among the 15 countries most affected by extreme weather events during 1995–2024. WHO Pakistan Representative Dr Luo Dapeng said evidence showed that preparedness and timely health emergency response could save lives.