Karachi, Dr. Fyezah Jehan, the Chair of Paediatrics and Child Health at Aga Khan University, has been awarded the prestigious Paul Harris Award by Rotary International for her outstanding contributions to combating malnutrition. The award was presented at a ceremony in Karachi, organized by the Rotary Club of Karachi in collaboration with the Rotary Club of St. Catharines South and the Trust for Malnutrition and Stunted Growth (TMSG), to acknowledge Dr. Jehan’s dedication and service to the community.

According to The Aga Khan University, the award recognizes Dr. Jehan’s efforts in addressing moderate to severe malnutrition among children and pregnant women in peri-urban areas of Karachi. Under her guidance, clinical teams collaborated with the TMSG, an initiative formed through a partnership between Rotary Canada and Rotary Karachi, to implement rapid diagnosis and management protocols using ready-to-use supplemental food (RUSF) in the absence of the commonly recommended ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF).

Dr. Jehan’s innovative approach facilitated the treatment and support of over 10,000 pregnant women and children at risk of malnutrition through four peri-urban clinics in the Korangi area. This significant impact on the community was highlighted by a Rotary member, who praised Dr. Jehan and her team as catalysts for broader engagement and support from hospitals and agencies in the fight against malnutrition.

The Paul Harris Award, named after Rotary International’s founder, is a top honor bestowed upon individuals who have made substantial contributions to service and humanitarian efforts. It places Dr. Jehan among distinguished recipients such as former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Jonas Salk, developer of the polio vaccine, underscoring the global recognition of her work in improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

This acknowledgment by Rotary International not only celebrates Dr. Jehan’s achievements but also highlights the critical role of partnerships and community engagement in addressing public health challenges. Through her leadership and the collaborative efforts of her team and supporting organizations, strides have been made towards eradicating malnutrition and improving the well-being of children and pregnant women in Karachi.