NIHC’26 Scientific Track 2: Newborn Screening in Digital Age

As part of the 1st NUST International Health Conference NUST School of Health Sciences organized, “Newborn Screening in Digital Age,” bringing together experts from paediatrics, neonatology, laboratory medicine and genomics. Prof Aamir Ijaz and Dr. Bibi Aalia were coordinators of the session. The session was moderated by Dr. Rubina Shafi and Dr. Safia and chaired by Major General (Retd.)
Prof Salman Ali, Major General Professor Zeeshan Ahmed, and Brig Professor Talal Waqar. The scientific session featured seven expert presentations covering key aspects of newborn screening. Brig Dr. Asma Hayat (AFIP) discussed Analytical Methods Used for Newborn Screening, followed by Prof Dr. Saqib Mahmood (Chughtai Healthcare) talk on Whole Genome Sequencing in NBS. Colonel Dr. Arshad Khushdil (PEMH) addressed Disease Selection for NBS, while Dr. Lena Jafri (South Africa) joined online to discuss Newborn Screening in Digital Age joined. Dr. Hafsa Majid (Aga Khan University) presented the Newborn Screening Program at AKU, while Dr. Hijab Batool (Chughtai Healthcare) highlighted the challenges of Creating Infrastructure for an NBS Programme in a Regional Laboratory. The session concluded with Dr Syeda Shireen from The ZB Welfare Foundation, sharing Success Stories of ZB Foundation Regarding NBS in Pakistan. The presentations were followed by an engaging panel discussion addressing the selection of conditions for national newborn screening, the potential role of whole genome sequencing, digital technologies, laboratory infrastructure, and equitable access to screening. The session highlighted the importance of integrating clinical expertise, and role of community engagement to strengthen newborn screening services to promote earlier diagnosis and improved health outcomes in Pakistan.