The Centre for IMPACT, an NIHR Global Health Research Centre jointly led by Aga Khan University in Pakistan and the University of York in the UK, aims to improve mental and physical health through partnerships and key collaborations in Pakistan, Afghanistan, the UK, and Luxembourg. Recently, Aga Khan University hosted a three-day annual meeting that provided a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration on key health issues in the region. Members from partnering organizations including Baqai Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology, SINA health education and welfare trust, the initiative, IoP, RMU, KMU, from Pakistan, HealthNet TPO, Kabul university of medical sciences from Afghanistan, Luxembourg institute of Socio-economic research, University of Liverpool and UoO from UK came. The event featured insightful discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, all aimed at shaping the future of health research.
The meeting began with a session where Centre directors, Professor Kamran Siddiqi (UoY) and Professor Zainab Samad (AKU), outlined the Centre's vision and achievements. Keynote speeches addressed pressing global health challenges, such as the intersection of climate change and public health.
In the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) session, Mr. Imran Ahmed Chauhadry provided insights into key milestones, followed by a panel discussion exploring how to refine MEL processes. The session emphasized the importance of collaboration in ensuring effective health interventions. The Community Engagement and Involvement (CEI) session was impactful, with presentations on the role of community engagement in health initiatives. Dr. Romaina Iqbal introduced new Community Advisory Panel (CAP) presidents, while Ali Hussaini discussed cost-effective storytelling techniques.
Next, the cardiovascular (CVD) health session presented updates on three key research trials targeting hypertension in rural Pakistan, schoolchildren, and high-risk professionals like bankers and policemen. Despite challenges like limited infrastructure, these projects are advancing toward creating sustainable, community-driven health solutions.
The Research Capacity Strengthening (RCS) session focused on empowering early career researchers and fostering mentorship. Dr. Aysha Almas and Dr. Mehreen Faisal (UoY) led discussions on capacity-building strategies, while a panel featuring both senior and early-career researchers highlighted the importance of mentorship and networking. Early-career researchers presented innovative health solutions, such as an integrated care model for heart failure and a participatory research study on non-communicable diseases among adolescents.
The Diabetes and KEDI (Knowledge Exchange, Dissemination, and Impact) session showcased the Centre’s progress in research dissemination. While discussing diabetes Dr. Faisal Sultan from Shaukat Khanum Hospital said, "Over the years, we've observed a human tendency to focus on immediate challenges, often pushing distant or preventive issues to the back. As we move forward, shifting our perspective is crucial to investing more in prevention and long-term strategies, which can alleviate future burdens and create a healthier, more sustainable approach to managing diseases like diabetes."
Dr. Asima Khan (BIDE) and Ali Kamran The Initiative) led the discussion on enhancing the Centre’s outreach, while an interactive activity by Syeda Nadia Bokhari focused on distilling key messages from research for broader audiences. This session emphasized the critical role of effective communication in translating research into action.
The final day focused on strengthening multi-country partnerships and reflecting on the progress made. Dr. Amina Khan (The Initiative) emphasized the importance of equitable partnerships in cross-border collaborations by saying, “Invest in positive long-term relationships based on mutual trust, respect, and collaboration.” The session on grant management shared valuable insights on optimizing financial processes, with a focus on collaboration and transparency. Another highlight was the session on mentorship, led by Dr. Romaina Iqbal. Panelists discussed the importance of strong mentor-mentee relationships and shared strategies for successful mentorship in research. The meeting concluded with Professor Zia ul Haq Vice-Chancellor of the Khyber Medical University, highlighting the importance of collaboration and innovation in research.
This year’s meeting successfully brought together researchers and health professionals to discuss the region’s most pressing health challenges. As participants reflected on the key lessons of the past two years and explored future directions, it was clear that the way forward lies in working together, strengthening research capacity, and improving public health across the region. The meetings provided a valuable opportunity for researchers to share ideas, form partnerships, and shape the future of health research, leaving a lasting impact on the region’s health landscape.
