Public Health Professional
Resume:
Dr Faisal Rashid
Lodhi
Public health professional, reviewer
and program implementer,
specializing in response,
management and evaluation,
guiding policy, and strategic planning
and universal health coverage.
CONTACT:
H. No SD-26, Lane No. 2,
Askari-13, Chaklala Cantt,
Rawalpindi - Pakistan.
ad46bn@r.postjobfree.com
ad46bn@r.postjobfree.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-faisal-lodhi-
9476ba2a/
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4864-0117
FaisalRashidLo1 -
https://twitter.com/faisalrashidlo1?lang=en.
https://youtu.be/-R73TtqW2oQ?si=Ga3BtIfP14Tz-
yBo
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Communicable disease outbreaks response with special focus on pandemic/ epidemic preparedness through EPI.
Technical reviews and development of guidance documents, In-depth analysis, program reviews, and strategic evaluation.
Project Management (Operation, Resource Management and Monitoring and Evaluation).
Vaccine preventable diseases (VPD), demand generation and disease elimination/ eradication.
Risk assessment, emergency, and humanitarian response.
Data management.
INTEREST AREAS
Policy Development esp. VPDs (EPI, outbreak response, National health sectors reforms, universal health coverage, and development in line with sustainable development goals).
Outbreak response (advocacy, strategy, implementation, and evaluation).
Information/ knowledge management, analysis, conceptual thinking, planning, training, and team building in a multi-stakeholder/ multi-national environment.
Humanitarian, disaster recovery and development assistance. EDUCATION
In Progress, Master’s in Epidemiology (Distance Learning Program) – London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of London, United Kingdom.
1998-2003, National University of Science & Technology - Pakistan, Bachelor of Medicine, and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS).
Certificate in Health Professions Education (CHPE-06 Months Online Course) – Riphah International University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
2008-9, Diplomas in Public Health Administration (D.P.H.A.), Hospital Administration & HRM
(D.H.A.H.); 1-year professional diplomas – Modern institute of informatics & management, Islamabad, Pakistan.
STRENGTHS
Analysis & Writing
Large scale event planning &
management
Crisis management & effective
Communication
Responding to developing/ fluid
situation(s)
Conflict management
AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS
Tweet by DG WHO: https://x.com/DrTedros/status/1679953385464684544?s=20
Appreciation letter by WHO Representative – Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam & Singapore.
Acknowledgement certificate by MOH Malaysia.
Personal letter of appreciation by Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio for the services rendered for the Pakistan Polio program.
Commonwealth scholarship commission UK for distance learning program – Full scholarship for M.Sc. Epidemiology LSHTM.
Commendation by deputy commissioner for successful viral hemorrhagic fever response in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Successful outbreak response(s) and preparedness towards future outbreaks across Europe (Ukrainian Refugee crisis) including drafting of regional polio & measles’ OBR Guidance updates, EPI and SimEx. Also furnished inputs towards other policy documents including, refugee health in receiving countries beyond the immediate emergency response phase as well as the draft global surveillance guidelines June 2022.
Outbreak response assessment (OBRA) Ukraine and a comprehensive review of poliovirus surveillance and vaccination performance in the countries hosting majority of the Ukrainian refugee population (https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/21-09-2023-polio-outbreak-in- ukraine-closed-a-success-story-for-public-health-despite-extreme-challenges-of-war).
Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam & Singapore Ministries of Health’s COVID-19 immunization response (2020) and simultaneous VDPV 1 & 2 outbreak control - Malaysia (2020).
Pakistan’s COVID-19 response (2020-21) and vaccination response (2021-22) including integrated national COVID-19, measles, and polio campaigns.
Nationwide measles-rubella integrated campaign (2021) as well as polio eradication and preparation for certification in Pakistan (2021-22). EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW (INCLUDING INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE) & PUBLICATIONS RECENT EXPERIENCE AT A GLANCE
Nov – Dec 2023 Consultant – Expert in surveillance, WHO’s regional office for Europe; support WHO Europe to plan and conduct the initial steps of a comprehensive measles and poliovirus surveillance evaluation for selected countries, to guide and support subsequent stages of the surveillance review 2024.
May 2022 – July 2023 (inclusive of two contract breaks 1-31 Aug 2022 & 1-22 Jan 2023): Consultant – Emergency, WHO’s regional office for Europe. Coordination of EURO’s response towards preparedness and responses of measles, polio, and diphtheria outbreaks across the European Region member states including support to conduct OBRA in Ukraine.
Jan 2022 to April 2022: Technical Officer Outbreak Response and Preparedness Group (ORPG) – WHO Pakistan, National Emergency Operations Centre Islamabad. Tasked with VPDs focusing on Polio & COVID- 19 vaccination and implementing integrated as well as standalone COVID-19/ polio vaccinations across the country, including critical support to EPI.
July 2020 to Dec 2021: Federal Polio Emergency Response Officer (National Rapid Response Unit - WHO Country Office Islamabad) – Secretary to the National Emergency Action Plan (NEAP) 2021-June 2022 Secretariat for PEI, COVID-19 & VPDs. AND Secretary to the National Islamic Advisory Group’s restructuring AND Support person for Polio Support Group to Minister of Health, AND expert tele-responder for “1166 National Helpline” for EPI/polio/ measles/COVID-19.
Jan – May 2020: International Consultant at Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) acting as the GPEI coordinator for Malaysia VDPV1 & 2 outbreaks, including COVID-19 pandemic support for Malaysia, Brunei
& Singapore.
Dec 2019 – Jan 2020: Federal Polio Emergency Response Officer (National Rapid Response Unit - WHO Country Office Islamabad) – Deputy National Rapid Response Unit Coordinator
Oct – Dec 2019: International Consultant at Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO); Philippines VDPV outbreak response.
Oct 2018 – Oct 2019: Federal Polio Emergency Response Officer (National Rapid Response Unit - WHO Country Office Islamabad) –Acting National Rapid Response Unit Coordinator May-July 2019.
Nov 2017 – Oct 2018: Federal Campaign Support Officer (Campaign Support Unit - WHO Country Office Islamabad).
Sep 2016 – Oct 2017: Provincial Polio Emergency Response Officer (Rapid Response Unit - WHO Sub- Office Lahore).
June 2015 – Aug 2016: Deputy District Officer (Health), Rawalpindi Cantonment, Health Dept. Govt. of Punjab – Pakistan.
Apr 2013 - May 2015: Deputy Medical Superintendent (EPI/ A & E, Statistics/ HRMIS / Infection Control & HWM) including Focal Person (PHC/ Acid Burn Victims/ MNDPP/ Women Employment Quota in Govt. Institutions/ Harassment at Workplace against Women/ CQI/ Polio/ Right to Information).
Jul 2012 – Apr 2013: Casualty Medical Officer - Accident & Emergency Department (Government of Punjab) in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital; also functioning as a trainer for the Medicolegal Officers of Rawalpindi District.
2011-12: Lecturer in Pathology (Senior faculty member) – Hamdard College of Medicine & Dentistry, Hamdard University, Karachi - Pakistan.
2010-11: Lecturer - II in Pathology – Liaquat National Medical College, Karachi - Pakistan.
2006-10: Fellowship Resident in Histopathology – Liaquat National Hospital (accredited by CPSP, Pakistan).
2005-6: Demonstrator in Physiology – Baqai Medical University, Karachi - Pakistan.
2004-5: Demonstrator in Pathology – Foundation University Medical College, Islamabad - Pakistan. PUBLISHED WORK
Original article; Concurrent outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus types 1 and 2 affecting the Republic of the Philippines and Malaysia, 2019-2021 (Elsevier Online).
Original article; “Severity of thrombocytopenia in patients with plasmodium vivax malaria; a single centre study - J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad 2015;27(1):61-3.
Case Report; “Primary Angiosarcoma of Breast” – Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan 2013; 23(5): 356-8.
Original article; “Correlation of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2/neu) receptor status with hormone receptors Oestrogen Receptor, Progesterone Receptor status and other prognostic markers in breast cancer: an experience at tertiary care hospital in Karachi” – JPMA 63: 854; 2013.
Original article; “Frequency of Precancerous Lesions in Endoscopic Gastric Biopsies in Chronic Gastritis” – Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan 2013; 23(4): 247-50.
Original article; “Gestational Trophoblastic Disease; A Tertiary Care Experience” – Professional Med J. 2012; 19(2):159-161.
Original article; “Microbiological Isolates in Body Fluids & Secretions” – Ann Abbasi Shaheed Hosp Karachi Med Dent Coll. 2011; 16(2): 38-41.
Original article; “Central Nervous System Tumors; A Hospital Based Analysis” – Pak Armed Forces Med J. 2011; 61(1): 61-4.
OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Fellowship (FCPS - Histopathology) Dissertation; “Frequency of correct Intra-operative Frozen Section Diagnosis in Breast Lesions and Factors Leading to Discordance”.
Organizer of research & publications committee for the 5th international Conference of Pakistan Association of Pathologists at College of Physicians & Surgeons, Karachi – 2011.
Research paper; “Comparison of Pleural Biopsy vs. Pleural Fluid Cytology” 30th Annual conference of Pakistan Association of Pathologists.
Research paper; “Is Microscopic Assessment of Macroscopically Normal Hysterectomy Specimens Necessary?” 6th Liaquat National Hospital & Medical College’s Scientific Symposium. https://orcid.org
/0000-0002-
4864-0117
WORKSHOPS / CERTIFICATES / SEMINARS
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification - Jan 2004
Annual conference on infectious diseases – Mar 2006
Communication Skills Workshop - Nov 2006
Research Methodology & Biostatistics Workshop - Dec 2006
Introduction to Computer and Internet Workshop - Jul 2007
Laboratory Accreditation Workshop - May 2008
Seminar on “Giving Blood Regularly – World Blood Donor Day” – Jun 2008
Workshop on Effective Power Point Techniques & Poster Making – Jan 2009
Seminar on Biosafety – Mar 2009
Update Course in Histopathology - Apr 2009
Workshop on “Research Methodology” – Apr 2009
Workshop on “New trends in Lab Inv. & Diagnosis: Genomics and Proteomics” – Jul 2009
Seminar on “New Blood for the World” – Jan 2010
Workshop on “Paper & Article writing” - Apr 2010
Workshop on “non-tumor lung diseases” – Sep 2010
Workshop on “Endocrine Pathologies” - Oct 2010
Workshop on “Vascular Tumors” - Apr 2011
Histopathology Slide Seminar – Jul 2011
Member Organizing Team - 34th Pakistan Association of Pathologists - Dec 2011
Workshop on “Diagnostic Histopathology” - Mar 2012
Workshop on “Comprehensive Cytopathology & Histopathology” – Mar 2012
Seminar on “AIDS Awareness” –Jun 2013
Hepatitis Control Conference – Oct 2014
Ebola Awareness Seminar – Oct 2014
Orientation Course on Leprosy – Mar 2015
Project Planning Course for Officers – May 2015
Dengue Control Workshop - Aug 2015
Dengue Workshop – Nov 2015
Basic Security Training in the Field – II: UNDSS – Aug 2016
Advanced Security Training in the Field: UNDSS – Sep 2016
PEI Induction Training (WHO) - Sept 2016
Campaign Evaluation & Monitoring Training (WHO) - Sept 2016
Campaign Analysis & reporting Training (WHO) - Sept (2016)
Induction training into SIAs/CR Campaigns (WHO) - Sept 2016
Information Security Awareness Foundation Assessment: UNDSS – Sep 2016
Training on Monitoring & Evaluation (WHO) - Oct 2016
Rapid Response Unit Workshop (WHO) – Nov 2016
AFP Surveillance Training (WHO) - Dec 2016
e-LQAS training - WHO PUNJAB (WHO) - Dec 2016
Interpersonal Communication Skills Workshop (WHO) - Dec 2016
Facilitator for the Divisional Rapid Response Unit Workshop (WHO) - Jun 2017
Cold Chain Logistics & Vaccine Management Systems Online Course (UNICEF Agora) - Sept 2017
Facilitator training of Master Trainers on tools for SIAs (WHO) – Jan 2018
UN Multilingual Course on Prevention of Harassment, Sexual Harassment and Abuse of Authority (WHO) - May 2018
Cybersecurity Essentials and Preventing Phishing (Multilingual) (WHO) - Jul 2018
Multi Dose Vial Policy (WHO) - Jul 2018
Safe & Secure Approaches in Field Environments (SSAFE) Training: UNDSS - Aug 2018)
Facilitator training of Master Trainers for Third Party (ECI) sponsored by UNICEF – Aug 2018
National Training on “Updated Monitoring Tools used for NEAP 2018-19” Sep 2018
BSAFE Couse: UNDSS – Dec 2018
Preparing and Responding to Active Shooter Incidents: UNDSS – Dec 2018
Information Safety Awareness Course (Additional): UNDSS – Dec 2018
Information Safety Awareness Course (Advanced): UNDSS – Dec 2018
BSAFE Couse: iLearn – Feb 2019
GB UN To Serve with Pride - Zero Tolerance: iLearn – Feb 2019
Rapid Response Unit Training – CDC/WHO – April 2019
Cybersecurity Awareness – Cybersecurity …. while Travelling (WHO) - Feb 2020
Cybersecurity Essentials and Preventing Phishing (Multilingual) (WHO) - Feb 2020)
Polio Introduction GPEI (OpenWHO) – Mar 2020
COVID-19: Operational Planning Guidelines and COVID-19 Partners Platform to support country preparedness and response (OpenWHO) – Mar 2020
Webinar on Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) tech. guid.: Essen. res. planning - WHO COVID-19 Essen. Sup. Forecasting Tool (ESFT) (WHO/ WPRO) - Apr 2020
Webinars on COVID-19 testing (WHO HQ, Monash University, WPRO SEARO & others) – Apr 2020
Webinar on How Immunization Professionals Can Address IPC During COVID-19 (WHO HQ) - May 2020
Webinar on Science behind the vaccines in the context of COVID-19 (WHO HQ) - May 2020
Webinar on the many faces of Stigma during COVID (EPI WIN) – Sep 2020
Webinar on Role of FBOs in collaboration with MoH and WHO during COVID-19 - a focus on Sri Lanka (EPI WIN) – Sep 2020
Webinar on Social participation: synergies between systems strengthening and emergency response (EPI WIN) – Oct 2020
Webinar on Capturing hearts & minds with facts and figures: Where is the evidence for community engagement (EPI WIN) – Oct 2020
Webinar on Delivering people-cantered services within UHC: Integration, Synergies and Convergence in Viral Hepatitis Prevention and Care (WPRO) – Nov 2020
Staff seminar on the Next Generation GSM Programme (WHO EMRO) - Dec 2020
Webinar on Nurses make the difference for diabetes (WHO EMRO) - Dec 2020
Webinar on Primary Health Care for Universal Health Coverage (WHO EMRO) - Dec 2020
Webinar on Looking for hope let's build sustainable behaviours (WHO) - Dec 2020
Webinar on Ask the Expert! COVID-19 & Cyber Attacks (WHO) - Jan 2021
Webinar on the latest on the covid-19 global situation; emergence of new mutations & variants (EPI WIN) – Feb 2021
Webinar on COVID-19 in the Region: update on trends, new variants, vaccines (WHO EMRO) – Feb 2021
Webinar on Immune Response to SARS-CoV-2 (EPI WIN) – Feb 2021
Webinar on 10 Steps to Comm. Readiness - What countries should do to prepare comm. for a COVID-19 vaccine, treatment, or new test (UNICEF HQ) – Feb 2021
Webinar on Reaching the frontline learner in COVID19: Celebrating Social Justice Day 2021 (EPI WIN) – Feb 2021
Webinar on Countering health misinformation in the comments section, with #iamhere! (EPI WIN) – Feb 2021
Webinar on update on COVID-19 vaccines & immune response (EPI WIN) – Mar 2021
Webinar on A year into the COVID-19 pandemic (EPI WIN) – Mar 2021
Webinar on Global conversation on Ageism (Report by WHO, OHCHR, UNDESA and UNFPA) – Mar 2021
Webinar on International travel in the context of COVID-19 (EPI WIN) – Mar 2021
Webinar on social media & COVID-19: A Global Study of Digital Crisis Interaction among Gen Z and Millennials (EPI WIN) – Mar 2021
Webinar on Health Equity Assessment Toolkit (HEAT and HEAT Plus) - Launch of new versions (WHO HQ DNA/ DDI) – Mar 2021
Ask the Expert: Use of Trained dogs for screening COVID-19 cases (WHO HQ) – Mar 2021
Webinar on WHO Public Health Goods – Technical Products on norms/standards, data, and research (WHO HQ) – Apr 2021
Webinar on COVID-19 Vaccination, children & pregnant women (EPI WIN) – May 2021
An Infodemic Management and Global Collective Service webinar on Communicating about vaccination issues (WHO HQ) – May 2021
Cybersecurity refresher Course (WHO - iLearn) - Aug 2021)
Epidemic Ethics: Webinar on Children and COVID-19 Vaccination: Ethical Issues and Considerations (WHO HQ) - Sep 2021)
The Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) - iLearn – Nov 2021
Preparing for Social Impact: Strategy Planning – Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, UK – Jan 2022
Ethics and pandemic policies: democracy in crisis – Global Health Network – Jan 2022
Update on Omicron (WHO HQ – Feb 2022)
MLM AFRO The Role of the EPI Manager (Mar 2022)
MLM AFRO Surveillance of VPDs (Mar 2022)
MLM AFRO Planning and Monitoring SIAs (Mar 2022)
MLM AFRO New Vaccine Introduction (Mar 2022)
“Putting survivors and victims’ at the heart of our work on addressing SEAH” – WHO (April 2022)
Cybersecurity refresher Course (WHO - iLearn) - Aug 2022)
WHO Safe Road Use (Multilingual 2022) - iLearn – Oct 2022
WHO Ethics Empowerment: Ethics and Professional conduct at WHO (Introducing Ethics and Professional Conduct in WHO, Demonstrating Ethical and Professional Conduct, Managing Conflicts of Interest, Using WHO Resources and Communicating Responsibly, Being Aware of Unethical Behaviour, Raising concerns of Unethical Behaviour and Retaliation & The role of the WHO Ethics unit in CRE - iLearn – May 2023
WHO's New Policy and Strategy on Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct - iLearn – July 2023
Cybersecurity refresher Course (WHO - iLearn) - Aug 2023
WHO Project Management Framework (WHO - iLearn) - Oct 2023
PMCoE Global - Project Management Portal – Online (WHO - iLearn) - Dec 2023 EXPERIENCE (DETAILS)
NOV 2023 – DEC 2023 (REMOTE WORK)
CONSULTANT – EXPERT IN SURVEILLANCE, WHO’S REGIONAL OFFICE FOR EUROPE. COORDINATION OF EURO’S RESPONSE TOWARDS PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSES OF MEASLES, POLIO, AND DIPHTHERIA OUTBREAKS ACROSS THE EUROPEAN REGION MEMBER STATES.
Developed the WHO Europe- VPI’s plan and conducted the initial steps of a comprehensive measles and poliovirus surveillance evaluation for selected countries; guiding the subsequent stages of the surveillance review planned for 2024. MAY 2022 – JULY 2023 (INCLUSIVE OF TWO CONTRACT BREAKS 1-31 AUG 2022 & 1-22 JAN 2023) CONSULTANT – EMERGENCY, WHO’S REGIONAL OFFICE FOR EUROPE. COORDINATION OF EURO’S RESPONSE TOWARDS PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSES OF MEASLES, POLIO, AND DIPHTHERIA OUTBREAKS ACROSS THE EUROPEAN REGION MEMBER STATES.
Supported the weekly incident management support team’s and other coordination meetings of the overall Ukraine crisis response ensuing coordination of the VPD/ EPI activities within the overall integrated health interventions of WHO and partners.
Facilitated close coordination between MOH, in-country health and other partners, EURO as well as HQ and assisting them in regular coordination through weekly/ fortnightly/ monthly meetings, teleconferences, and updates.
Supported EURO and heads of WHO/UNICEF country offices with strategic and operational coordination of technical support interventions resulting in reviews and updates of the national preparedness and response plans for polio, measles and rubella as well as development/ updates to plans for intensified routine immunization in low-performing areas.
Conducted multi country assessment of measles and poliovirus surveillance data, including environmental surveillance for poliovirus.
Designed and conducted AFP surveillance refresher training and introduction/ expansion of environmental surveillance and strengthening of the national measles and polio laboratory capacity.
Reviewed and provided guidance to the national programs on recording/reporting of refugee vaccination and integration with in the national systems.
Produced weekly updates of outbreak response activities (e.g. SITREPS).
Provided overall technical and operational supervision to other consultants supporting the above activities. Additionally: In Ukraine and seven neighbouring refugee-hosting countries (Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Slovakia):
1. Reviewed the EPI activities.
2. Assessed the sensitivity of poliomyelitis and other vaccine-preventable diseases (measles and rubella) surveillance systems to detect and respond to vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks.
3. Summarized the technical and operational needs to ensure high immunization coverage and sustain high-quality VPD surveillance. 4. Revised/updated the risk assessment for Ukraine and neighbouring countries for all VPDs. 5. Conducted regional and national capacity building of Measles and Polio surveillance network specialists. JAN 2022 TO APRIL 2022
TECHNICAL OFFICER – OUTBREAK RESPONSE AND PREPAREDNESS (ORPG) AT NATIONAL EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER / WHO COUNTRY OFFICE – ISLAMABAD
Supported the risk assessments and responses (including scope, plan, vaccines arrangements, monitoring and budgeting) to vaccine- preventable diseases at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), Govt. of Pakistan, focussed on;
WPV1 eradication.
Response to VDPV outbreaks including rendering critical support to EPI.
Nationwide Measles-Rubella & COVID-19 vaccination campaigns (standalone, as well as in synergy with polio supplementary immunization activities).
Micronutrient supplementation during polio supplementary immunization activities.
Support to Religious Support Persons initiative in collaboration with the International Islamic Advisory Group, Islamic Development Bank and Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
JULY 2020 TO DEC 2021
POLIO EMERGENCY RESPONSE OFFICER – FEDERAL AT NATIONAL EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER / WHO COUNTRY OFFICE – ISLAMABAD
My areas of responsibility included COVID-19, EPI and Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI).
Served as the secretary to the National Emergency Action Plan (NEAP) 2021 - June 2022 Secretariate for PEI, COVID-19 & VPDs and developed the action plan in line with guidance from Technical Advisory Group (TAG), Independent monitoring Boards (IMB), Polio Oversight Board (POB), Outbreak Response Task Team (OPRTT), Regional Hub WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO) & Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).
Served as the secretary to National Islamic Advisory Group’s restructuring resulting a paramount shift enabling engagement of religious leaders in the COVID-19 response and vaccinations.
Extended support to the Polio Support Group to the Minister of Health as well the national EPI manager resulting in the real-time data sharing harmonizing both programs.
Provided expert advice as a tele-responder for “1166 National Helpline” for Polio & COVID-19.
Prepared briefs for the donors, partners & the Prime Minister Office on regular basis.
Served as a member of the Emergency Relief Fund for frontline immunization workforce affected by attacks/ accidents in the field.
Assisted the National Coordinator in operational guidance of the Rapid Response Teams across the country to deliver (as part of a cross-functional team in the Emergency Operation Centres & in the field) situation analyses / risk and performance triggers’ assessment & outbreaks’ response.
Tracked every aspect of response performance and preparedness as well as forecasting; conducted gap analyses resulting in major updates to the dashboards through introduction of triggers, analyses and response guidance.
Conducted extensive surveillance reviews.
JAN 2020 TO MAY 2020 - INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT FOR THE WHO’S REGIONAL OFFICE FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC (WPRO) ACTING AS THE GPEI COORDINATOR FOR MALAYSIA VDPV1 & 2 OUTBREAKS’ RESPONSE INCLUDING COVID-19 PANDEMIC SUPPORT FOR MALAYSIA, BRUNEI & SINGAPORE.
Managed all aspects of the VDPV response in the country including but not limited to, planning, budgeting, vaccine & logistics as well as capacity building, campaign implementation, monitoring, and surveillance (also supporting the country team & Ministry of Health in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic) resulting in successful closure of the VDPV outbreak despite the pandemic associated challenges.
Established effective liaison with the host government which was adamant about any external support and established effective technical collaboration with both, federal and state-level immunization teams.
Facilitated the country in response planning.
Secured 2.5 million doses of monovalent oral polio vaccine type 2 (mOPV2) for the country by facilitating approval by global AG/ HQ.
Designed and conducted the trainings on mOPV2 use, EPI and COVID-19.
Facilitated the country in launching the M&E / IM initiatives.
Brought all stakeholders UNICEF/ Rotary & MoH on one-page incl. budgetary issues.
Coordinated with OPRTT, EOMG, HQ, Regional Office & Govt daily, successfully prepared, and secured budget approval for the Outbreak Response.
Coordinated with SEARO and WCO Indonesia to deal with areas of concern along the border (Sebatik Island) resulting in cross-border immunization synchronization.
Ensured continued surveillance activities amidst the COVID-19 crisis.
Advised the Govt. of Malaysia on COVID-19 Testing strategies in line with ongoing global level & regional developments; facilitated in upscaling of COVID-19 testing and facilitated in accessing the Global COVID-19 Supply Chain System for kits & reagents.
Advised & facilitated Malaysia’s participation in UNITY Studies. EXPERIENCE (DETAILS)
OCT 2018 TO OCT 2019 (AND DEC 2019 – JAN 2020) - INCLUDING INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE POLIO EMERGENCY RESPONSE OFFICER – FEDERAL/ DEPUTY NATIONAL RAPID RESPONSE UNIT COORDINATOR AT NATIONAL EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER / WHO COUNTRY OFFICE – ISLAMABAD (INCLUDING ACTING CHARGE AS THE NATIONAL COORDINATOR OF THE RAPID RESPONSE UNIT OF PEI PAKISTAN AT NATIONAL EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER)
Also served as the Deputy National Rapid Response Unit Coordinator and subsequently as the Acting National Rapid Response Unit Coordinator from May till July 2019.
Extended support to the Polio Support Group to the Minister of Health as well the national EPI manager resulting in the real-time data sharing harmonizing both programs.
Prepared briefs for the donors, partners & the Prime Minister Office on regular basis.
Assisted the National Coordinator in operational guidance of the Rapid Response Teams across the country to deliver (as part of a cross-functional teams in Emergency Operation Centres & in the field) situation analyses / risk and performance triggers’ assessment & outbreaks’ response.
Tracked every aspect of response performance and preparedness as well as forecasting, gap analyses.
Conducted extensive surveillance reviews.
Proceeded on a contract break for a short-term International Consultancy (STC) at the WHO’s Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO) before joining back in Dec 2019 upon request to WPRO by the National Team Lead Polio WHO Pakistan. NOV 2017 TO OCT 2018
FEDERAL CAMPAIGN SUPPORT OFFICER (FCSO) AT WHO COUNTRY OFFICE – ISLAMABAD Facilitated appropriate coordination between in country and international stakeholders, securing commitments, and ensuring the utilization of participatory approaches and adequate monitoring mechanisms.
Developed and implemented the SIA calendar, to deal with the regions with sub-optimal EPI as well as responding to outbreaks.
Designed and conducted regular training and capacity building sessions for the workforce country-wide particularly on microplanning and logistics.
Conducted comprehensive PEI/ EPI planning, assessment, monitoring evaluation through monthly data analyses and assessments in regular field visits.
Developed contingency plans and conducted preparedness exercises.
Preparation status/progress reports for UN and donors after every intervention.
Drafted SIA guidelines and campaign assessment tools.
Managed the budget of the SIA workforce (>300,000 strong). SEP 2016 TO OCT 2017
POLIO EMERGENCY RESPONSE OFFICER (RAPID RESPONSE UNIT) FOR PROVINCE OF PUNJAB, OPERATING FROM THE BASE AT THE PROVINCIAL OFFICE IN WHO SUB OFFICE AT LAHORE-PUNJAB 1. Provided technical support to Provincial EOC on outbreaks and EPI. 2. Provided field support to high-risk (including but not limited to low-performing EPI regions) and outbreak areas. 3. Provided support in capacity building and supervision of field staff. 4. Developed Rapid Response Unit Punjab’s investigative and Data Management Tools considering the TORs to achieve better results in much less time. The said Data management tools were adopted as standard protocols throughout the province of Punjab. 5. Conducted the trigger analysis, grading the districts for allocation of resources according to the dynamic risk profiles. JUN 2015 TO AUG 2016
DEPUTY DISTRICT OFFICER (HEALTH) – HEALTH DEPT. GOVT. OF PUNJAB Managed all primary healthcare services in the cantonment areas of the city of Rawalpindi.
Supervised more than 950 public health workers (EPI- enhancement of routine immunizations [RI/ EVACS-I & II], polio eradication campaigns, viral haemorrhagic fevers’ prevention and response, drive against food adulteration/ spurious medications & quackery, disaster relief activities and implementation of healthcare delivery standards as prescribed by law.
Successfully responded to the dengue epidemic crisis - curtailment of the case load to less than 20% in my area of responsibility in 2015 when the area housed nearly half the population of the city; and less than 5%
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