GAVI
In a significant development, the Global Alliance for Vaccination and Immunisation (GAVI), a prominent public-private partnership, has appointed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar as its new Chief Executive Officer. The announcement was made in a statement by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, praising Dr. Nishtar’s three-decade-long career as a tireless advocate for health equity and a proven leader in global public health.
We are delighted to announce that the Gavi Board has approved the appointment of Senator Dr @SaniaNishtar as Gavi's Chief Executive Officer as of March 2024! https://t.co/mqPN356IUU
— Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (@gavi) January 11, 2024
Professor José Manuel Barroso, Chair of the Gavi Board, highlighted Dr. Nishtar’s reputation as an innovative thinker and a doer in addressing complex challenges. The senator, trained as a medical doctor, will officially assume her role as CEO on March 18, 2024. GAVI, known for its role in vaccinating over half of the world’s children against deadly diseases, has been a crucial player in global health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Nishtar’s appointment holds strategic importance for Gavi as it approaches the conclusion of its fifth five-year strategic period in 2025. The organization will seek board approval in 2024 for its 2026–2030 strategy. Additionally, fundraising will be a key focus for the new CEO, with plans for a high-level event in June to launch Gavi’s investment opportunity.
“Dr Nishtar has built a reputation as a tireless advocate for health equity, an innovative thinker and a proven doer when it comes to solving complex challenges” – Gavi Board Chair @JMDBarroso. pic.twitter.com/eqNlMo6qR0
— Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (@gavi) January 11, 2024
With an illustrious career, Dr. Nishtar has served as a special assistant to the prime minister on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation. She also played a significant role in re-establishing Pakistan’s health ministry during the caretaker government in 2013. The Gavi Board expressed confidence in Dr. Nishtar’s ability to navigate challenges such as vaccine inequity, climate change impacts on health, and preparation for future outbreaks.
Dr. Nishtar’s extensive experience includes founding the non-profit NGO think tank Heartfile, leading various international organizations, and serving on Gavi’s Evaluation Advisory Committee and Board. She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, holds a Ph.D. from King’s College London, and was recognized among the BBC’s 100 Women in 2020.
As Pakistan grapples with reported cases of the JN.1 Covid-19 variant, Dr. Nishtar’s appointment comes at a critical time, and her dedication to achieving universal health coverage and global immunization will play a pivotal role in the ongoing global health challenges. The Foreign Office has extended congratulations to Dr. Nishtar on her prestigious appointment.
Warm felicitations to Senator @SaniaNishtar on appointment as Chief Executive Officer of @GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance. Dr. Nishtar is a distinguished global public health leader and has demonstrated exceptional contributions to Pakistan throughout her illustrious career. pic.twitter.com/2P2ho80AjJ
— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) January 11, 2024
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