Pakistani Dr Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhatta has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honours, for his extraordinary services to global health, according to a statement released by a private hospital.
According to the honor site, the Order of Canada is presented to those who make “extraordinary contributions to the nation.”
The order was established in 1967, Canada’s centennial year, and has been awarded to more than 7,600 people from all walks of life who have made various contributions to the country.
This year, 88 personalities from all walks of life – from actors to health workers – were inducted into the order.
Out of 88, 24 were inducted into the order as officers and Dr. Bhatta has inducted him among them.
Dr. Bhatta’s pioneering research and leadership in maternal, newborn and child health has improved the lives of millions of people around the world, particularly in marginalized and underserved communities.
“I am deeply honored by this recognition and deeply grateful to a generation of students and colleagues who have worked with me over the years on the challenges of women and children in Pakistan and other low-income countries,” said Dr. Bhatta. “What?”
The work of maternal and child health care specialists has influenced public health policies from the World Health Organization (WHO) to programs in disadvantaged communities and countries.