Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, made a major announcement on Thursday regarding the appointment of Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar as the new CEO.
Dr. Nishtar, who is currently serving as a senator in Pakistan, is expected to assume this vital role on March 18, 2024.
With a career spanning more than three decades, Dr. Nishtar a world leader in public health and a trained physician.
Her journey includes serving as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation in the National Government from 2018 to 2022.
Notably, she served as a federal minister during the interim government of Pakistan in 2013.
In addition to government roles, Dr. Nishtar a key role in civil society and international organizations. She also founded a non-profit NGO think-tank Heartfile, advocating for healthcare reform in Pakistan.
Additionally, she served as Chair of Gavi’s Evaluation Advisory Committee from 2011 to 2014 and was an independent member of Gavi’s Board in 2016.
In addition to her leadership experience, Dr. Nishtar is a prolific thought leader, co-author of numerous academic papers and books, and was recognized as one of the BBC’s 100 Women in 2020.
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Professor José Manuel Barroso, Chairman of the Gavi Board of Directors, praised the leadership qualities of Dr. Nishtara in his words: “Over three decades of national and global leadership, Dr. Nishtar has built a reputation as a tireless advocate for health equity, an innovative thinker, and a proven solver of complex challenges.”
Dr. Expressing her gratitude for the trust placed in her by the Gavi Council, Nishtar highlighted the monumental challenges ahead, including addressing the health impacts of climate change, addressing vaccine inequity, preparing for future outbreaks and strengthening routine immunization.
Outgoing CEO David Marlow confirmed the appointment of Dr. Nishtara in a statement, “It has been an honor to lead Gavi with the senior management team during this transition period and I congratulate the board for attracting and securing Dr. Sania Nishtar as our next CEO.”
Dr Nishtar’s appointment comes at a critical time for Gavi as it prepares to approve its 2026-2030 strategy in 2024.
Fundraising will be for Dr. Nishtara the main focus, with plans for a high-level event to launch the Gavi investment opportunity co-hosted by France and Africa CDC in June.
