Dr. Sania Nishtar, a seasoned medical professional and former Senator, has been appointed as the new CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. With over 30 years of experience, she previously served as the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on poverty alleviation. Dr. Nishtar, set to take office on March 18, 2024, has a remarkable history with Gavi, having chaired its Evaluation Advisory Committee from 2011 to 2014 and served as an independent member of its Board in 2016.
Gavi Board Chair, Professor José Manuel Barroso, commended Dr. Nishtar for her leadership and commitment to health equity. He thanked interim leader David Marlow for implementing crucial reforms. Dr. Nishtar highlighted the importance of vaccines in global health and recognized Gavi’s impact over the past 23 years.
Congratulatory messages poured in from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, praising Dr. Nishtar’s global health leadership. Former minister Dr. Miftah Ismail celebrated her achievement, expressing pride and best wishes for her work at Gavi.