Dr. Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta, a renowned leader in maternal and child health, has been appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honors. This prestigious accolade recognizes Dr. Bhutta’s transformative work in global health, particularly in underserved regions of South Asia, Africa, and beyond. Dr. Bhutta’s pioneering research has reshaped global public health policies, improving countless lives. His contributions to community health systems, including Pakistan’s Lady Health Worker program, are celebrated as a model for empowering frontline healthcare providers worldwide.
“I am greatly honored by this recognition and deeply grateful to a generation of students and colleagues who have worked with me over the years on challenges of women and children in Pakistan and other low-income countries.” Dr. Bhutta serves as the Founding Director of the Institute for Global Health and Development at Aga Khan University (AKU) and established its Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health (2012-2024).
He also co-directs the SickKids Centre for Global Child Health in Toronto. With over 1,400 academic publications and recognition as a Highly Cited Researcher, Dr. Bhutta’s work bridges research, policy, and practice.
Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President of AKU, commended Dr. Bhutta’s tireless dedication: “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 tackles the world’s most pressing health and development challenges.”
