On February 23, 2024, Alliance Healthcare Private Limited (AHL) organised an international seminar at the AHL auditorium, focusing on public awareness about the prevention of Spina Bifida and Folate Fortification. The event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran and the national anthem, followed by national and international speakers highlighting the significance of fortifying staple foods with folic acid including Dr. Pir Asad Aziz, Prof. Graham Fieggen, Prof. Kemel Ghotme and Prof. Gail Rosseau, Chair, G4 Alliance.
The emphasis was on the importance of folic acid supplements and folate-rich foods, especially for pregnant women, as they reduce the risk of birth defects in the brain and spine of the unborn child.
Dr. Sidra Jabbar, AHL Dean, underscored the severe physical problems caused by folate deficiency, including spine bifida, leg weakness, and poor kidney function. She urged pregnant women to use affordable and readily available folic acid supplements in tablet form to ensure the well-being of their newborns. Prof. Gail Rosseau, Prof. Graham Fieggen and Prof. Kemal Ghotme, international speakers, shared their expertise, emphasising the global significance of public health initiatives for creating healthier societies. Dr. Pir Asad Aziz focused on the government of Sindh’s Health Initiative on Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida while parents of a Spina Bifida child shared their experience.
Closing the event, Dr. Tariq Khan, AHL Chairman, expressed gratitude to the guest speakers and the audience for their participation.
Dr. Sidra Jabbar, AHL Dean, underscored the severe physical problems caused by folate deficiency, including spine bifida, leg weakness, and poor kidney function. She urged pregnant women to use affordable and readily available folic acid supplements in tablet form to ensure the well-being of their newborns. Prof. Gail Rosseau, Prof. Graham Fieggen and Prof. Kemal Ghotme, international speakers, shared their expertise, emphasising the global significance of public health initiatives for creating healthier societies. Dr. Pir Asad Aziz focused on the government of Sindh’s Health Initiative on Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida while parents of a Spina Bifida child shared their experience.
Closing the event, Dr. Tariq Khan, AHL Chairman, expressed gratitude to the guest speakers and the audience for their participation.