Karachi: Dr Zulfiqar A. Bhutta, the Founding Director of the Institute for Global Health and Development at the Aga Khan University, has been awarded the prestigious Virchow Prize 2025. This significant international recognition acknowledges his pioneering efforts in advancing maternal, newborn, and child health equity through community-centered and evidence-based research. He shares this year’s honor with Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim from South Africa.

The Virchow Prize, bestowed by the Virchow Foundation, highlights outstanding achievements in global health in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It aims to address health disparities and promote structural change.

The independent committee that awards the Virchow Prize emphasized Dr Bhutta’s impressive contributions from the onset of his academic career. His work has redefined global health policies by focusing on marginalized communities often overlooked in mainstream health systems.

The committee noted that Dr Bhutta’s research has been crucial in shaping global health guidelines and influencing policies in low- and middle-income countries. As co-director of the SickKids Centre for Global Child Health, he has championed community-based primary care models and implementation research in vulnerable settings.

Dr Bhutta’s extensive research has shown the effectiveness of local interventions, empowering community health workers and nutrition programs. His efforts have led to significant advancements in reducing maternal and child mortality, especially in South-Central Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

In response to receiving the award, Dr Bhutta expressed gratitude to his collaborators, students, and trainees, acknowledging their role in addressing global health challenges.

For Aga Khan University, Dr Bhutta’s recognition is a significant achievement, highlighting its commitment to impactful research and addressing health challenges in the developing world. The award symbolizes Pakistan’s contributions to global public health, inspiring future scientists and policymakers.

Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President of Aga Khan University, congratulated Dr Bhutta, emphasizing his dedication to improving health in underserved communities and reaffirming the university’s commitment to advancing global health equity.

Dr Bhutta’s career has been marked by numerous accolades, including the John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award, Roux Prize, and some of Pakistan’s highest national honors, underscoring his impact on global health.