SLAMABAD: The Pakistan SMA Symposium 2026 was held at Serena Hotel Islamabad, bringing together medical experts, researchers, academics, affected families, civil society representatives and other stakeholders to discuss Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), with a focus on awareness, early diagnosis, genetic screening, treatment access and research.
The symposium was organised under the auspices of STRIVE (Strive Eradication of Disability Foundation) and also featured international researchers from Poland, the United Kingdom and other European countries, providing an opportunity to strengthen research and academic links between Pakistan and the international SMA community.
Experts Discuss SMA Diagnosis and Treatment
Chief Health Sector Reforms Unit (HSRU), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dr Syed Ijaz Ali Shah; Chairman Zakat and Ushr Council Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Imtiaz Khan; and Chairman STRIVE Muhammad Yasir Khan were among the prominent participants.
Professors, heads of departments and academic experts from universities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi shared their views on SMA, genetic disorders, medical research and developments in treatment.
Researchers involved in international SMA research also discussed emerging developments and the future direction of research and medical science.
Dr Syed Ijaz Ali Shah paid tribute to parents and families of people affected by SMA, acknowledging their efforts to secure better healthcare and opportunities for their children.
He said greater awareness of rare and complex diseases needs to be accompanied by effective support systems for patients and their families.
STRIVE Announces SMA Summit
Chairman STRIVE Muhammad Yasir Khan said SMA should be viewed as a collective challenge requiring coordination among patients, families, healthcare professionals, researchers, government institutions, universities, civil society and the media.
He said STRIVE was working to expand awareness about SMA across Pakistan, encourage early diagnosis and research, and improve access to treatment and support services.
Yasir Khan also announced that STRIVE would organise a major SMA Summit on October 30 and 31, 2026, at Tulip Marquee in Islamabad. The summit is expected to bring together patients, parents, doctors, researchers, policymakers, universities, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
Focus on Early Diagnosis and Research
During the symposium, speakers discussed SMA symptoms, early diagnosis, genetic screening, modern treatment options, patient care and future strategies for addressing the disorder in Pakistan.
Medical experts stressed the importance of timely diagnosis, appropriate medical guidance and access to modern treatment in supporting the quality of life of people affected by SMA.
Participants also called for greater public awareness, improved medical facilities, expanded genetic diagnostic services, stronger research programmes and policy measures to support children and families affected by the genetic disorder.
The symposium concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to strengthening awareness, research and advocacy for people affected by SMA. Speakers also emphasised closer coordination among government institutions, universities, healthcare professionals, researchers, civil society, media, patients and families to develop a sustainable support system for SMA in Pakistan.
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