Sania Nishtar
Awards & Honours
2
Awards Won
3
Honours
2
Records
Dr. Sania Nishtar's career is marked by several historic firsts and influential roles. She is one of the few Pakistani women to have served in both the executive and legislative branches of government, alongside leading a major international health organization. Her leadership of the Ehsaas Programme, one of the largest social safety net initiatives in Pakistan's history, directly impacted millions of citizens. As CEO of Gavi, she oversees the global effort to immunize children in low-income countries, a position that places her at the forefront of global health equity.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
Sitara-i-Imtiaz
Third-highest civilian honour for contributions to public health.
Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians
Elected as Fellow for contributions to medicine.
Honorary Doctor of Science
Recognized for outstanding contributions to global health.
Records & Feats
First Pakistani woman to lead Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance
Appointed CEO of Gavi in 2024, becoming the first Pakistani woman to hold this position.
Co-chaired WHO High-Level Commission on NCDs
Co-chaired the WHO's High-Level Commission on Non-communicable Diseases, a rare global leadership role.