As someone deeply invested in the welfare and progress of our society, I find myself inspired by China's remarkable achievements in the realm of disability prevention. Their five-year national action plan, designed for 2021 to 2025, has shown substantial progress in controlling birth defects and developmental disabilities. As a Pakistani citizen, I believe there are valuable lessons we can learn from China's approach. Here's how.

China's Inspiring Progress

China's National Health Commission (NHC) has been instrumental in laying out specific measures to cover various life stages, including pre-marital, pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and neonatal stages. The increase in coverage of pre-marital health check-ups and pre-natal health screenings by 6.3 percent and 7.6 percent, respectively, in 2022 compared to 2020, is a testament to their commitment.

These numbers are not merely statistics; they symbolize a society that values empathy, understanding, and the well-being of its citizens.

How Pakistan Can Emulate China's Success

I envision a future where Pakistan can achieve similar success in disability prevention. Here's how I believe we can make it happen:

1. Policy Formulation: We must prioritize disability matters at the governmental level, creating comprehensive policies that encompass prevention, early intervention, and support for those living with disabilities.

3. Healthcare Accessibility: By increasing the availability of pre-marital and pre-natal health screenings, we can detect and prevent potential disabilities early. This requires investment in healthcare infrastructure and professional training.

3. Public Awareness: We must educate our citizens about the importance of early health check-ups and available support services. Public awareness campaigns can help eliminate stigmas and encourage more people to seek assistance.

4. Collaboration with China: Leveraging China's expertise could provide a roadmap for our journey in this field. Collaborative efforts, such as knowledge sharing, training, and joint research, can foster progress.

Conclusion

China's success in disability prevention is not just an inspiring story; it's a blueprint that we in Pakistan can follow. By prioritizing disability matters, investing in healthcare, educating our public, and collaborating with experienced nations like China, we can make significant strides in this essential area.

The vision I express here is not merely a dream; it's a call to action. It's time for Pakistan to step up and follow China's example, ensuring a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

As we look to the future, let us be guided by empathy, compassion, and a commitment to the well-being of every citizen. Together, we can build a Pakistan that not only learns from the successes of others but also creates its own path towards a more inclusive and caring society.