NIHC ‘26: Scientific Track— Artificial Intelligence for Public Health and Nutrition in Pakistan

Chairs: Prof. Dr. Rukhsana Khan, HOD Community Medicine, Fazaia Medical College, Air University. Islamabad. Prof. Dr. Farah Rashid, HOD Community Medicine, NSHS, NUST. Islamabad
Coordinator: Dr. Zille Huma Mustehsan, Associate Professor, NSHS, NUST. Islamabad
Moderators: Dr. Nadia Nisar, Associate Professor NSHS, NUST. Islamabad Dr. Abdul Momin Rizwan Ahmed, Associate Professor, Human Nutrition and Dietetics. NSHS, NUST
Rapporteurs: Dr. Iffat Noor and Dr. Roma Salman, Assistant Professors, NSHS, NUST. Islamabad

The plenary session commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the National Anthem. Prof. Dr. Farah Rashid welcomed the Chair, speakers and participants, thanked the organizing team for their efforts, and highlighted the integration of artificial intelligence in public health as a timely and pressing priority.
The scientific proceedings began with Prof. Dr. Umar Ali Khan, (Pro-Vice Chancellor Isra University, Islamabad) talk on “Happiness and Mental Health in the Era of AI,” followed by Prof. Dr. Humaira Mahmood, (Health Services Academy, Islamabad) on “Role of AI in Shaping the Lifestyles of Children and Adolescents” emphasized the significance of healthy diet and other lifestyle factors amongst adolescents. Prof. Dr. Aashi Ahmed, (HOD Community Medicine, HITEC Institute of Medical Sciences, Taxila) presented “AI for Public Health Intelligence: Data and Predictive Analytics for Planning and Equity,” while Prof. Dr. Sajida Naseem, (Health Services Academy, Islamabad) concluded the scientific talks with “From Evidence to Action: Integrating AI Insights into Public Health Policy and Governance.”
Concluding the session, Prof. Dr. Rukhsana Khan appreciated the organizing team and described artificial intelligence as a theme of critical contemporary relevance. Prof. Dr. Rizwan Ashraf, Principal, NSHS, delivered the vote of thanks, emphasizing the need to translate discussions on AI into practical applications in disease prevention and treatment, integrate AI competencies into undergraduate curricula, and strengthen faculty capacity through appropriate training.
The session concluded with the presentation of shields, followed by refreshments.