Dr. Hashaam AkhtarProgram Manager
Dr. Hashaam Akhtar is a distinguished global health expert and Associate Professor at the Health Services Academy, Islamabad, with over 18 years of international experience. His work at the intersection of gender equity, mental health, and climate change reflects his deep commitment to addressing systemic disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. A strong advocate for women’s health and empowerment, Dr. Akhtar has spearheaded multiple initiatives tackling gender-based vaccine hesitancy, health literacy, and post-menopausal mental health. His research and policy efforts focus on reducing gender disparities in healthcare, ensuring that women, particularly in marginalized communities, receive equitable access to essential health services. Through his expertise in pandemic preparedness, infectious disease control, and health system strengthening, he integrates a gender-sensitive approach to health interventions, ensuring inclusivity in decision-making and resource allocation. Passionate about climate change and its disproportionate impact on women, Dr. Akhtar continues to lead projects that empower vulnerable populations through awareness campaigns, equitable health policies, and global collaborations.
Dr. Akhtar is also an accomplished virologist with extensive expertise in infectious disease control, antiviral drug development, and vaccine strategies within the global health security domain. His research has focused on viral pathogenesis, vaccine formulation, and antiviral drug efficacy, contributing to advancements in immunotherapy and disease modeling. As a Trainer of Trainers (ToT), he has conducted numerous capacity-building programs on vaccine hesitancy, data collection (DHIS and DHMIS), insulin hesitancy, waste management, and biosafety practices, ensuring that healthcare professionals and policymakers are equipped with the knowledge and tools to implement effective interventions. His work extends to training health workers on pandemic response, infection control, and climate change-related health risks, recognizing the interconnectedness of environmental stressors and public health crises. His ongoing commitment to waste management, sustainable healthcare practices, and climate resilience reinforces his role as a leading voice in global health advocacy and education, promoting innovative solutions for emerging health threats worldwide.