KARACHI: In a moment of pride for Pakistan and the global healthcare community, Dr. Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta, a trailblazer in maternal and child health, has been appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada—one of the nation’s highest civilian honors. This prestigious recognition underscores his groundbreaking contributions to global health, particularly in underserved communities, and his role as a beacon of inspiration for healthcare professionals worldwide.
Established in 1967 by Queen Elizabeth II, the Order of Canada honors individuals whose achievements have enriched society. Dr. Bhutta’s transformative research and advocacy have impacted millions, shaping public health policies globally—from the World Health Organization to grassroots initiatives in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
“I am deeply honored by this recognition and profoundly grateful to the generations of students and colleagues who have worked alongside me to address challenges faced by women and children in Pakistan and other low-income countries,” Dr. Bhutta said, reflecting on this milestone.
As the Founding Director of the Institute for Global Health and Development at Aga Khan University (AKU) and its Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health (2012–2024), Dr. Bhutta has established himself as a global leader. He also serves as Co-Director of the SickKids Centre for Global Child Health in Toronto and holds the Lawson Centre Distinguished Fellowship in Climate Change, Food Systems, and Child Nutrition.
Dr. Bhutta’s accolades include Pakistan’s Sitara-e-Imtiaz, the President’s Pride of Performance Award, and the John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award. Most recently, he was named among the top-tier Highly Cited Researchers of 2024 by Clarivate, with over 1,400 indexed publications.
Dr. Bhutta’s pioneering efforts in disease burden estimation, intervention effectiveness, and community health systems have set global benchmarks. His work on Pakistan’s Lady Health Worker program is celebrated as a model for empowering frontline health workers and saving countless lives. Internationally, his research has shaped WHO policies and provided actionable frameworks for combating malnutrition and preventable childhood diseases in fragile health systems.
In honoring Dr. Zulfiqar Bhutta, the global community celebrates not just an individual’s remarkable accomplishments but also the profound impact of dedication, compassion, and expertise. For Pakistan, he is a national hero and a symbol of hope for healthier generations to come.