#WHSNairobi2026 Day 2 Recap: Discussions on strengthening Africa’s health systems at the World Health Summit Regional Meeting continued as the summit entered its second day, with leaders, innovators and changemakers sharing ideas, experiences, and practical solutions to strengthen health systems across the continent and beyond. There was a strong call for deeper collaboration, focused on building solutions grounded in local realities, and as the summit enters its final day tomorrow, we look forward to continued dialogue, shared learning and practical solutions to strengthen health systems across Africa and beyond. #WHSRMNairobi2026 @AfricaCDC @WHOAFRO @MOH_Kenya @WorldHealthSmt

Bringing together alumni, former faculty and staff, donors, volunteers, and friends of Aga Khan University, an evening at the Ismaili Centre in Toronto offered an opportunity to reflect on the University's progress, aspirations, and global impact. Aga Khan University President Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin shared updates on AKU's continued growth and its work to advance education, healthcare, and research across Pakistan, East Africa, the United Kingdom, and beyond. The evening also featured a fireside conversation with community leadership on the importance of investing in people and institutions that strengthen communities and expand opportunity. We were delighted to reconnect with members of the AKU community whose commitment and support continue to advance the University's mission. Our sincere thanks to the Canadian Leadership for their warm hospitality and longstanding partnership. Gatherings such as these are a powerful reminder that AKU's impact is made possible by a global community united by a shared commitment to service, excellence, and improving lives.

“Go forward with confidence. Go forward with curiosity. And above all, go forward with compassion and humanity.” 👆 President Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin’s message to the University of Alberta Nursing and Law graduates at the Spring 2026 Convocation. Drawing from his own life journey, celebrating the achievements of the graduating class, and reflecting on the nearly 20-year partnership between AKU and U of A, the keynote underscored the enduring values that shape both education and service — offering inspiration for the responsibilities and possibilities that lie ahead. 📹 Watch his full address: youtu.be/rk0tITGVL6Q?si=-KJ7… #AKUPartnership

Distinguished Canadian leaders from government, higher education, business and civil society joined AKU President Sulaiman Shahabuddin and Chief Advancement Officer Zahra Somani for a gathering in Toronto. The conversation explored how universities can help address some of today’s most pressing challenges, from expanding access to quality education and healthcare to advancing research and human development. Among the participants were Senator Salma Ataullahjan, the first Canadian Senator of Pakistani origin, and Mr Samir Dossal, President of the Canada Pakistan Business Council, who along with Mrs Dossal generously hosted the gathering. As AKU continues to advance its mission and expand its global impact, partnerships grounded in education, research and service remain essential to creating lasting change. We are grateful to all who joined, with special thanks to Mr and Mrs Samir Dossal for their hospitality.

President Sulaiman Shahabuddin joined AKU alumni across the Greater Toronto Area for a breakfast gathering celebrating their achievements and impact. Special thanks to alumnus Amir Janmohamed and his wife, Zahida Janmohamed, for hosting the gathering in Toronto. Bringing together graduates from AKU’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, Medical College and Institute for Educational Development, the event provided an opportunity to reconnect, share updates on the University’s progress and hear how alumni are contributing to their professions and communities across Canada and beyond. From advancing health systems to leading in education, research and public service, our alumni continue to make a meaningful difference worldwide, reflecting AKU’s values of excellence, leadership and service. #AKUAlumni

Heart disease, kidney disease, obesity, and diabetes are often treated as separate conditions. But what if they are part of the same story? A new international guideline brings these interconnected health challenges together under a single framework, helping clinicians identify risk earlier and intervene more effectively. Among the contributors to the guideline is Dr Salim Virani, Vice Provost Research at AKU, whose work is helping shape global approaches to prevention and care. Read how this new guidance could improve health outcomes for millions worldwide: aku.edu/news/Pages/News_Deta… #AKUResearch #HeartHealth

Climate change is no longer a future threat. It is one of today’s most urgent health challenges. As these conversations shape the future of healthcare, young people continue to play a vital role, bringing urgency, innovation and the courage to imagine better systems for the next generation. #WHSNairobi2026 Naiga Doreen, Program Officer for Youth, Health & Advocacy at Regenerate Africa, shares her perspective on climate and health, and reflects on the role youth have played in the conversations shaping the future of healthcare. #WHSNairobi2026 #WHSRMNairobi2026 #ClimateAndHealth #YouthLeadership #GlobalHealth #WHSRegionalMeeting2026

“Seek our different perspectives. Commit to continuous learning. Look for big problems to tackle. Embrace optimism.” That was the message AKU President Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin carried to the stage as he delivered the keynote address at the University of Alberta Convocation, honouring the graduating classes of Nursing and Law. Addressing the graduands, he reflected on the vital role they will play in shaping a more just and compassionate world: “You are lawyers: advocates for justice, equality, and the rule of law itself. You are nurses: defenders of human dignity and the right to the highest attainable standard of health. Together, you help build societies that are healthier, fairer, and more humane.” Speaking about the partnership between the University of Alberta and the Aga Khan University, he said: “We feel very fortunate to collaborate with Alberta scholars on research and programme development; to have dozens of our faculty members complete training here in Edmonton; and to have provided more than 60 Alberta students with international learning opportunities.” AKU congratulates the Class of 2026 as they begin the next chapter of their journey, and extends its deep gratitude to the University of Alberta for a partnership that has flourished over nearly two decades. #AKUPartnerships

For nearly two decades, a partnership between Aga Khan University and the University of Alberta has been doing what the best collaborations do — opening doors. Doors for students who've studied across continents. For researchers tackling shared challenges. For faculty exchanging expertise, alumni building on what they started, and communities feeling the impact well beyond either campus. A recent visit by an AKU delegation – President and Vice Chancellor Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin, Chief Advancement Officer Zahra Somani, and Nilam Jetha, President of the Ismaili Council for Edmonton – was a chance to celebrate that legacy and ask what comes next. Welcomed by University of Alberta President Bill Flanagan and senior leaders, the group reflected on what years of collaboration have made possible, then turned to where it's headed: health innovation, AI and digital health, climate resilience, mobility, and interdisciplinary research. Twenty years in, this partnership isn’t only looking back on its achievements. It’s using them as a foundation for the next twenty. #AKUPartnerships

The Institute for Human Development International Conference officially opened today, bringing together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, funders, development partners, and community leaders from around the world. Learn more about IHD: aku.edu/ihd/Pages/home.aspx

“For Africa’s health systems to thrive, African-led solutions must lead the way, with solutions rooted in our realities, shaped by our communities and designed to deliver lasting impact across the continent.” #WHSNairobi2026 Dr. Julietha Tibyesiga, Medical Officer at Namtumbo District Hospital, Tanzania shares her perspective and thoughts on the power of African-led innovation and its role in strengthening healthcare systems, improving access to care and driving lasting impact across the continent. #WHSNairobi2026 #WHSRMNairobi2026 #AfricanInnovation #HealthcareInnovation #GlobalHealth #HealthForAll

Stories about how climate change is affecting communities across Central and South Asia are now taking flight. We are excited to announce that Voices from the Roof of the World (VRW) is now available on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in-flight entertainment! Travel with purpose. On your next PIA journey, discover the stories behind the climate crisis on VRW. Watch, reflect, and help us take these powerful documentaries to new heights. VRW is a joint initiative of the Aga Khan University, Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, Aga Khan Foundation, and the University of Central Asia — made possible with support from Ross Beaty, the Sitka Foundation, Gulshan Kassamali Jiwa Family, Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan Fund for the Environment, and the Jenabai Hussainali Shariff Family. #VRW #VoicesFromTheRoofOfTheWorld #PIA #AgaKhanUniversity #ClimateStorytelling #InFlightEntertainment

Thyrotoxicosis: Recognizing a High-Risk Endocrine State Thyrotoxicosis is caused by excess circulating thyroid hormones (T3/T4), with presentations ranging from subtle asymptomatic cases to life-threatening thyroid storm. The AKU Manual of Clinical Practice Guidelines highlights key aspects of recognition and management: 🔹Common symptoms: weight loss, heat intolerance, palpitations, anxiety 🔹Complications (if untreated): delirium, muscle weakness, atrial fibrillation 🔹Diagnosis: low TSH with elevated FT4/T3, supported by TRAb testing, radioactive iodine uptake, and thyroid ultrasound 🔹Etiologies: Graves’ disease, toxic adenoma, multinodular goiter, thyroiditis 💡Clinical relevance Early recognition and targeted treatment are key to preventing complications and stabilizing patients quickly, while improving outcomes Download the AKU Manual App: Android: play.google.com/store/apps/d… iOS: apps.apple.com/pk/app/aku-gu… #AKUManualofClinicalPracticeGuidelines #Thyrotoxicosis #AKU

Best Kenyan Student Award ___ The Award for the Best Student in Kenya during the 1st East African Physiology Quiz went to Brian Weru Komu from The @AKUGlobal Medical College, East Africa, Kenya. He received a Cash Award of 10,000 KES sponsored by Dr. Faraj Alkizim.

As we look back on the World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2026 #WHSNairobi2026, we're inspired by the reflections of Dr. Jackline Kituru, President of the World Medical Association, whose experience highlighted the power of collaboration, innovation and global solidarity in shaping the future of healthcare in Africa. With 400 speakers, 80 sessions and 16 ministers in attendance, the World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2026, hosted by AKU, created a platform for sharing ideas, experiences and practical solutions to strengthen Africa’s health systems. #WHSNairobi2026 #WHSRMNairobi2026 #GlobalHealth #HealthForAll

Couldn’t join us for the AKU Global Research Showcase? The full recording is now available on YouTube. Watch inspiring presentations from AKU faculty and students, a keynote by Dr Ravi Pendse of the University of Michigan, insights from our panel discussion on ethical AI, and highlights from AKU’s first Digital Innovation Mapping Report. Discover how AI and Digital Intelligence are helping address real-world challenges in health, education, and development across the communities we serve. Watch now: youtube.com/watch?v=tiKBhf8X… @ResearchAKU #AKU #AKUResearch #AIinResearch #DigitalIntelligence #ResearchForImpact

"Midwifery is a valuable career choice because you experience the beginning of life and nurture growth from conception, to delivery and beyond.” For Hellen Wimile, midwifery is more than a career – it is a calling to safeguard the future. A proud graduate of the AKU Tanzania Class of 2025, Hellen is sharing her inspiring journey of pursuing her passion at AKU. Watch the video to hear her story. #IND2026 #OurNursesOurFuture #AKUAlumni #NursesandMidwivesMonth

From refining research ideas to developing competitive grant proposals, the second cohort of AKU’s Research Initiative for Scholars Excellence (RISE) Programme has completed a transformative year-long journey of mentorship, collaboration, and leadership development. Bringing together early-career researchers from Pakistan and East Africa, the programme is helping shape the next generation of scholars equipped to tackle pressing health challenges through impactful research. As Cohort 2 concludes, 70% of RISERs have already applied for extramural funding, an encouraging sign of the programme’s growing impact on AKU’s research culture. Read more about the programme, the closing retreat, and how RISE is empowering future research leaders: aku.edu/news/Pages/News_Deta… #AKUResearch #ResearchExcellence

A new chapter in interdisciplinary collaboration begins as Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and AKU sign a landmark MoU to advance research, innovation, education, and public engagement around some of the country’s most pressing development challenges. The MoU was signed by AKU Provost, Dr. Tania Bubela, and LUMS Vice Chancellor, Dr. Ali Cheema, in the presence of LUMS Rector, Mr. Shahid Hussain, AKU Vice Provost Research, Dr. Salim Virani and Dr. Farid Panjwani, Dean of AKU’s Institute for Educational Development, PK. This five-year partnership brings together AKU’s strengths in health sciences, medicine, public health and implementation research with LUMS’ expertise in technology, data science, social sciences, public policy, economics and governance. Together, the two institutions will work on evidence-based solutions in areas including climate resilience, environmental health, antimicrobial resistance, mental health, maternal and child health, AI for public good, education, sustainability and inclusive development. Through joint research, academic collaboration, experiential learning, and engagement with policymakers, practitioners, civil society, and industry, the partnership aims to create meaningful impact for communities in Pakistan and beyond. More: aku.edu/news/Pages/News_Deta…