Delegates from the Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health (CoE-WCH), Aga Khan University, South Asia and East Africa, undertook an official visit to the Matiari Mother and Child Health Research and Training Centre (MRTC). The visiting delegation included Dr. Helen Nabwera, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Child Health and Physician Scientist; Dr. Angela Koech, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Research Physician Scientist; and Ms. Evaline Lang’at, Researcher and Lead for Gender. From CoE-WCH Pakistan, participants included Dr. Salman Kirmani, Professor and Director, Dr. Shabina Ariff, Professor of Pediatrics and Child Health with a focus on Newborn Health, and Dr. Shah Muhammad, Assistant Professor of Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition.
Upon arrival at MRTC, the delegation was formally welcomed by the local team. An introductory presentation was delivered by Mr. Rafique Channa and Dr. Shah Muhammad, providing an overview of the centre, its research portfolio, contributions to maternal and child health, ongoing community-based initiatives, and prospective areas for regional and cross-site collaboration.
The delegation subsequently toured the MRTC facilities, including research and training units, and interacted with field teams to gain insight into ongoing operational and community engagement activities. As part of the visit, the team also visited the Taluka Headquarters Hospital in Hala, where they observed maternal and child health service delivery and held discussions with the Health Facility In-Charge regarding service integration and referral systems.
In addition, the delegation visited a Lady Health Worker’s Health House, where they observed a mother-awareness session and engaged directly with mothers and pregnant women. These interactions provided valuable context on local maternal and child health priorities and community-level challenges.
The visit concluded with a cultural ceremony in which the guests were presented with Sindhi Ajrak, symbolizing the rich cultural heritage of Sindh and reflecting the region’s longstanding traditions rooted in the Indus Valley Civilization.
