Alumni Spotlight
Muhammad Tahir Yousafzai MSc Epi Bio '09
How
do you stay motivated and relevant in your field, especially in a world that’s
constantly evolving?
My motivation comes from the direct link between research and impact. Every time we generate evidence that influences vaccine policy, I see how that translates into lives saved and healthier futures for children in Pakistan and beyond. The field of vaccinology and epidemiology is evolving rapidly, with new analytic tools, pathogens, and delivery challenges. I stay relevant by continually investing in learning, from methodological innovations including target trial emulation, causal inference and integrating climate science with vaccine preventable diseases and by engaging with global networks so that I am both contributing to and learning from international best practices.
In
your vast experience, what are the most pressing healthcare needs of our
people? Where are we, as a healthcare community, doing well and where do we
need more effort and investment?
The most pressing healthcare needs remain equitable access to preventive care, particularly immunization, nutrition, and maternal-child health services. Pakistan has made remarkable progress in vaccine introductions from rotavirus to HPV and in strengthening national programs through partnerships with WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi. However, we still need greater investment in health system resilience, analytic capacity, and data-driven decision-making. Malnutrition continues to blunt the impact of vaccines and remains a major area requiring multisectoral solutions. At the same time, we need to improve community trust, strengthen surveillance, and embed innovation into routine health systems.
Could
you highlight some of your key areas of interest and any impactful projects you
have worked on?
My key interests lie at the intersection of vaccine-preventable diseases, advanced analytic methods, and policy translation. Some impactful projects include:
- The Rotavirus Booster Dose Study, evaluating the added benefit of a third dose in high-burden settings.
- Impact evaluation of Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine after its introduction in routine immunization program in Pakistan.
- XDR Typhoid Outbreak Investigation and Response in Hyderabad.
- Climate impact on rotavirus diarrhea from 2018 to 2025 (PARVAN study secondary analysis).
These projects have not only advanced science but also provided evidence to guide national immunization policy in Pakistan.
As
an AKU alumnus, how do you view the role of the alumni community in advancing
paediatric healthcare and research collaboration locally and globally?
The AKU alumni community is a powerful network that combines clinical excellence with global reach. Alumni are in leadership roles across Pakistan and around the world, which creates a natural ecosystem for collaboration. By leveraging these connections, we can build multicenter studies, mentor early-career researchers, and advocate for global health priorities.
From
your time at AKU, do you have a favorite moment, anecdote or incident that is
etched in your memory? How would you describe that journey?
One memory that stands out is during my early years in research when I first saw how data collected by our teams could directly influence programmatic decisions. Sitting in a meeting with policymakers where evidence from AKU studies was being used to shape vaccine rollout gave me a profound sense of purpose. My AKU journey has been one of transformation from a student to a faculty member leading multi-institutional projects. It has been both humbling and inspiring to contribute to an institution that continuously shapes healthcare at national and global levels.
What
aspect of AKU’s environment/values and vision had the most lasting impact on
your personal and professional development?
The value that left the deepest mark on me is the commitment to excellence with impact. AKU trains you not only to do rigorous science but to ensure that your work improves lives. The emphasis on ethics, community relevance, and global engagement shaped how I view my role as a public health scientist. This culture of service, collaboration, and integrity continues to guide me in every research project and policy initiative I lead today.
Past Alumni Spotlight
1. Dr Philomena Drago
2. Dt Bashir Hanif
3. Dr Sehreen Khan
4. Dr Naila Baig Ansari
5. Dr Muhammad Asim Khan
6. Dr Azam Jan
7. Dr Rahat Naz
8. Dr Faysal Subhani
9. Dr Alina Sadaf
10. Dr Hamid Daud Naeem
