BY: Reporter ANI:
ISLAMABAD — The Pakistan SMA Symposium 2026, organised by STRIVE – Strive Eradication of Disability Foundation, was held at Serena Hotel Islamabad with participation from doctors, researchers, academics, medical experts, civil society representatives and families affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
The symposium focused on SMA awareness, early diagnosis, genetic screening, modern treatment, medical research and challenges faced by patients and their families. Experts from Pakistan, Poland, the United Kingdom and other European countries also participated, providing an international research perspective.
Chief HSRU Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Dr Syed Ejaz Ali Shah, Chairman Zakat and Ushr Council Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Imtiaz Khan and STRIVE Chairman Muhammad Yasir Khan were among the prominent participants.
Dr Syed Ejaz Ali Shah appreciated the resilience of SMA patients and their families and stressed the need for collective efforts by healthcare professionals, government institutions and civil society.
STRIVE Chairman Muhammad Yasir Khan said the organisation was working to promote awareness, early diagnosis and research on SMA across Pakistan. He announced that STRIVE would organise a major SMA Summit on October 30 and 31, 2026, at Tulip Marquee Islamabad.
Participants stressed the importance of early diagnosis, genetic screening, modern treatment and stronger cooperation between Pakistani and international medical and research institutions to improve care for people living with SMA.
