Laiba Ijaz
Public diplomacy is the art of interacting with audiences abroad in order to develop relationships, foster confidence, and encourage collaboration. It is a vital tool for helping countries develop constructive relationships and mutual trust, and it is now essential for creating a safe and secure international environment. One important facet Public diplomacy is health diplomacy which means working together on health related topics to foster international collaboration, goodwill, and trust. These initiatives improve a nation’s standing and influence overseas by demonstrating stratingits dedication to global well being. As the world grapples with unprecedented health challenges, the importance of health diplomacy has never been more evident. In the context of Sino-Pakistan relations, China’s health initiatives have emerged as a powerful tool of public diplomacy. High as the Himalayas and deeper than the oceans are phrases commonly used to describe the bilateral relationship betweenChina and Pakistan, which is now more than half a century old. Historical ties between China and Pakistan have always been robust, characterized by strategic, economic, and military cooperation. Health diplomacy has become a newpillar in their relationship, showcasing how nations can leverage healthcare to strengthen diplomatic bonds.China provided medical workers, medical equipment, and millions of doses of vaccinations to Pakistan during the COVID-19 pandemic to help contain the outbreak. This not only addressed an immediate health need but also reinforcedChina’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in times of crisis. The vaccine donations were widely covered in Pakistani media, enhancing China’s image as a reliable and compassionate ally and generated goodwill among the Pakistani public and government. Maintaining and growing health diplomacy partnerships between China and Pakistanis crucial to fostering mutual trust and cooperation between the two countries. Bothnations can improve bilateral ties and advance the health and well-being of the world by building on their previous achievements and looking into new areas of cooperation. Both countries can explore partnerships to develop specialized medical facilities, such as research centers and hospitals, focused on addressing specific health challenges faced by the Pakistani population Such as infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, and antimicrobial resistance. This collaboration can lead to the development of innovative solutions and contribute to global health security. The concept of health diplomacy also aligns with the sustainable development goal 3, which emphasizes the importance of good health and well-being. If we talk about the project of Health Silk Road under the CPEC, it has positive outcomes for Pakistan such as better healthcare facilities and stronger ties with china, but some of the concerns that needs to be addressed, it includes transparent and inclusive decision making processes and controlling financial risks to prevent unmanageable debts. It is crucial to establish clear guidelines and oversight mechanisms for health diplomacy projects. This could involve third-party audits, public reporting of project outcomes, and inclusive planning processes involving local stakeholders. It can also create opportunities for Chinese companies to expand their exports of medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and related services. So there is aneed for more sustainable long term health projects that could be more effective and helpful in building stronger ties between Pakistan and China. In conclusion, health diplomacy is an indispensable aspect of public diplomacy that enhances international collaboration and trust. The Sino-Pakistani partnership serves as a model, demonstrating how nations can work together to overcome health challenges and foster stronger diplomatic ties. By addressing transparency and financial sustainability, such initiatives can achieve even greater success and contribute to a more secure and healthy world.
Writer is Final year Student at Fatima Jinnah Women University Rawalpindi,Pakistan