Karachi, Pakistan: The Aga Khan University (AKU) has introduced the AKU Manual of Pediatrics, a locally developed clinical resource aimed at aiding healthcare professionals in the diagnosis and management of common childhood conditions in Pakistan. Available for free through the AKU Manual website and mobile application, this resource was designed by clinicians for clinicians to provide evidence-based guidance.

According to The Aga Khan University, the manual was launched at a ceremony featuring the Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Syed Mustafa Kamal, who emphasized the need for practical, evidence-based solutions to bolster Pakistan's healthcare system. The manual's creation involved AKU's Department of Paediatrics and Child Health and aims to improve the quality and consistency of child healthcare.

The event, attended by government and healthcare leaders, highlighted the collaborative effort in developing the manual, which includes 88 clinical practice guidelines across 14 pediatric subspecialties. It is intended for use by pediatricians, family physicians, and other healthcare professionals, offering guidance tailored to local healthcare needs. Dr. Adil H. Haider, former Dean of AKU Medical College, serves as Editor-in-Chief of the manual.

The program included keynote speeches and a panel discussion on the significance of locally developed guidelines in enhancing pediatric care. AKU President Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin and Prof. Dr. Fyezah Jehan, Chair of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, both emphasized the importance of integrating global scientific evidence with local practices to advance child health outcomes in Pakistan.