The Medical Women’s Association of Pakistan (MWAP) has recognised Dr Naeem Zafar for his longstanding efforts to protect children and improve healthcare access. He received the Champion of Child Rights Award at a seminar held at Nishat Hotel in Lahore.
The award acknowledges more than 25 years of work in child protection, community paediatrics, and maternal and child health, particularly among vulnerable and underserved communities.
Dr Naeem Zafar’s Role in Strengthening Child Protection
Dr Zafar holds several leadership positions focused on children’s welfare and healthcare. He serves as President of PAHCHAAN and Convener of the Pakistan Paediatric Association’s Child Rights Group.
He also chairs the board of the Pakistan Alliance for Early Childhood and serves on the boards of several national and international organisations working for children.
In 2009, Dr Zafar initiated a hospital-based Child Protection Unit at Children’s Hospital Lahore. The initiative introduced an integrated approach to addressing child abuse through healthcare, social welfare, and justice services.
He later helped establish child protection networks across 20 districts in Punjab, Islamabad, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, extending support to communities across these areas.
Khushhal Khandan Reaches More Than 250,000 People
A major part of Dr Zafar’s work involves PAHCHAAN’s Khushhal Khandan, or Happy and Healthy Families, initiative. The programme combines maternal and child healthcare with vaccination, nutrition, early childhood development, parenting support, and child safeguarding.
Through 11 Mother and Child Health Promotion Centres, the initiative has reached more than 250,000 people in underserved communities. Moreover, its community-based approach aims to improve access to essential services for families facing barriers to healthcare.
MWAP’s collaboration with PAHCHAAN through Khushhal Khandan also supports equitable vaccination coverage. Together, the organisations work to address immunisation barriers and improve access to preventive healthcare among vulnerable populations.
Mental Health Support and Child Rights Advocacy
Dr Zafar has also led mental health and psychosocial support initiatives benefiting more than 40,000 children and families. These efforts supported people affected by COVID-19, floods, and the Jaranwala incident involving religious minorities.
In addition, his research, publications, and advocacy have addressed child abuse, including online sexual exploitation. His work highlights the need for coordinated protection systems that respond to children’s safety and well-being.
The initiative’s focus on inclusive vaccination and community healthcare also reflects broader international commitments to ensuring vulnerable populations receive essential services.
National and International Recognition
The Champion of Child Rights Award adds to Dr Zafar’s list of national and international honours. His previous recognitions include the ISPCAN Multidisciplinary Team Award and the ICMEC USA Everyday Hero Award.
He has also received the Pakistan Paediatric Association’s first President of Pakistan Community Pediatrician Award and the PPA Punjab Wasti Memorial Award.
MWAP’s recognition highlights the continuing role of community-based programmes in protecting children and supporting marginalised families. Dr Zafar’s work brings together healthcare, social welfare, and child protection to help improve outcomes for vulnerable communities.
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