About the Journal Pakistan Journal of Public Health is the official journal published by the Health Services Academy, Government of Pakistan. The Academy aspires to become a regional academic center of excellence in public health training, policy advice, and health systems research that is nationally and internationally accredited. The mission of the Academy is to improve the health of the population of Pakistan and its surrounding region by enhancing human resource development and contributing to evidence-based policies and practices. PJPH is a forum for the presentation and promotion of new initiatives and evidence-based research in public health which will potentially inform policies and help in improving health services. It invites all members of the public health domain the exchange ideas, views, concepts, epidemiological data, and research findings.