KARACHI, December 29 2024: In a moment of immense pride for Pakistan and the global healthcare community, Dr. Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta, a world-renowned leader in maternal and child health, has been appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada, one of the country’s most prestigious civilian honours. This recognition is a testament to Dr. Bhutta’s remarkable contributions to global health, particularly in underserved communities across South Asia, Africa, and other regions in need.
Dr. Bhutta’s groundbreaking research and tireless advocacy have transformed public health policies across the world, directly improving the lives of millions. His pioneering work on community health systems, including Pakistan’s renowned Lady Health Worker programme, has become a global model for empowering frontline health workers and addressing the health challenges faced by women and children in low-income countries.
Reflecting on the honour, Dr. Bhutta expressed his gratitude: “I am deeply honoured by this recognition and profoundly grateful to the generations of students and colleagues who have worked alongside me over the years to address the challenges faced by women and children in Pakistan and other low-income countries.”
Dr. Bhutta is the Founding Director of the Institute for Global Health and Development at Aga Khan University (AKU) and founded its Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, a role he held from 2012 to 2024. He also serves as the Co-Director of the SickKids Centre for Global Child Health in Toronto. With over 1,400 academic publications to his name, Dr. Bhutta is recognised as a Highly Cited Researcher, and his influence spans research, policy, and practice on a global scale.
Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President of AKU, praised Dr. Bhutta’s dedication, stating: “Dr. Bhutta’s achievements inspire us to pursue innovation and make a tangible impact in global health. His work embodies AKU’s commitment to advancing evidence-based research that addresses the world’s most urgent health and development challenges.”
In honouring Dr. Zulfiqar Bhutta, the world acknowledges not only his individual achievements but also the power of dedication, expertise, and compassion in creating positive change. For Pakistan, Dr. Bhutta stands as a true national hero whose work continues to inspire hope for healthier generations and a better global future.
