Karachi: Dr. Zulfiqar A. Bhutta, a leading figure in global health research and the Founding Director of the Institute for Global Health and Development at Aga Khan University (AKU), has been awarded the Virchow Prize 2025. The award, one of the highest honors in global health, acknowledges Dr. Bhutta’s significant contributions to maternal, newborn, and child health equity. He shares this year’s prize with Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim from South Africa.
The Virchow Prize, administered by the Virchow Foundation, aims to highlight achievements in global health that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These goals emphasize the importance of health equity and structural change to achieve “Health for All.”
The Virchow Prize Committee commended Dr. Bhutta for his transformative influence on global health policies over several decades. His research has been pivotal in addressing health disparities, especially among marginalized communities that are often excluded from mainstream health systems.
Dr. Bhutta’s work has led to the development of community-based primary care models and large-scale randomized trials in vulnerable regions. His contributions have significantly impacted health guidelines and policies in low- and middle-income countries, especially concerning maternal, child health, and nutrition.
With over 1,400 scientific publications and advisory roles in organizations such as WHO and UNICEF, Dr. Bhutta’s work has been instrumental in reducing maternal and child mortality in regions like South-Central Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Dr. Bhutta expressed gratitude for the award, acknowledging the efforts of his collaborators and students. “This award recognizes the ongoing contributions of numerous collaborators, students, and trainees who have tirelessly worked to address some of the world’s most challenging problems affecting women and children,” he said.
The recognition of Dr. Bhutta’s work marks a significant achievement for Aga Khan University and highlights Pakistan’s role in global health research. It reflects AKU’s commitment to impactful research that addresses critical health challenges in developing regions.
Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President of Aga Khan University, congratulated Dr. Bhutta on the award, emphasizing the pride it brings to the university. “His lifelong dedication to improving maternal, newborn, and child health in underserved communities speaks directly to the heart of our mission,” he stated.