KARACHI, December 04 2024: In a significant achievement, Dr. Fyezah Jehan, the Chair of Paediatrics & Child Health at Aga Khan University (AKU), was honored as a Distinguished International Fellow by the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH). This recognition acknowledges her exceptional contributions in research, advocacy, and service, particularly in the fields of malnutrition, child health, and infectious diseases.
The award was presented during the Society’s annual meeting in New Orleans, with ASTMH President Dr. Linnie Golightly and CEO Jamie Bay Nishi leading the ceremony. The Distinguished International Fellow award is bestowed on individuals who have made outstanding contributions to tropical medicine and hygiene and are not U.S. citizens.
Dr. Fyezah’s pioneering work includes the development of innovative nutrition programs, such as leveraging ready-to-use supplemental foods in Karachi’s peri-urban clinics, benefiting over 10,000 women and children at risk of malnutrition. Through collaborations with Rotary International and the Trust for Malnutrition and Stunted Growth, Dr. Fyezah worked on early diagnosis and management strategies for malnutrition among vulnerable populations, earning her the esteemed title of Paul Harris Fellow.
Her leadership in the MUMTA trial, a groundbreaking study funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, explored the impact of balanced energy protein supplementation and micronutrients on maternal and newborn health. This research is paving the way for understanding how targeted maternal nutrition can positively influence early brain development.
Dr. Fyezah’s work extends to the creation of the Alliance for Maternal and Newborn Health Improvement (AMANHI) biobank, a collaboration with the World Health Organization and institutions across South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. This biobank represents the first large-scale, in-country biobank focused on pregnancy and newborn health, opening new doors for research into the causes of adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes.
In addition to her research contributions, Dr. Fyezah has played a crucial role in reshaping pneumonia treatment guidelines for children and developing efficient diagnostic and treatment protocols aimed at reducing unnecessary antibiotic use and combating antibiotic resistance. With over 100 publications on topics such as vaccine equity, child health interventions, and infectious diseases, Dr. Fyezah continues to be a leading figure in global health.
Dr. Fyezah’s recognition by the ASTMH places her alongside Dr. Zulfiqar Bhutta, another esteemed faculty member of AKU, who received the same honor in 2018. This achievement highlights the continued global impact of AKU’s medical professionals and their commitment to advancing child health and maternal care worldwide.
