Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has officially announced the appointment of Dr. Sania Nishtar as its incoming Chief Executive Officer. Currently holding the position of Senator in Pakistan, Dr. Nishtar is set to assume her new role on March 18, 2024.
Possessing a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Dr. Nishtar is a qualified medical doctor who has emerged as a prominent global public health leader. In her prior governmental service, she notably served as the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation from 2018 to 2022. During the interim period of Pakistan’s Caretaker Government in 2013, Dr. Nishtar held the esteemed position of Federal Minister, where she played a pivotal role in the re-establishment of the Ministry of Health. Her tenure was marked by commendation for fostering transparency and accountability in her official capacity.
Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Nishtar has held numerous leadership positions within civil society and international organizations. She is the founder of the non-profit NGO think tank, Heartfile, which advocates for health reforms in Pakistan. Dr. Nishtar also served as the inaugural Chair of the UN Secretary-General’s Independent Accountability Panel (IAP) for women’s and children’s health, as well as Co-Chair of the WHO Independent High-level Commission on Noncommunicable Diseases. Dr. Nishtar assumed the role of Chair of Gavi’s Evaluation Advisory Committee from 2011 to 2014, and in 2016, she served as an independent member of Gavi’s Board. Demonstrating prolific thought leadership, she has co-authored numerous academic papers and books, with publications featured in leading national and international newspapers. Dr. Nishtar, graduating as the top-performing student in 1986 from medical school, holds the distinction of being a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians. Furthering her academic achievements, she attained a PhD from King’s College London, receiving an honorary Doctorate in Science, Honoris Causa, in 2019. Acknowledged among the notable alumni of King’s College, she earned a place in the BBC’s 100 Women list in 2020, recognizing inspiring and influential women globally.
Professor José Manuel Barroso, Chair of the Gavi Board, expressed his perspective, stating, “With an impressive three-decade leadership tenure at both national and global levels, Dr. Nishtar has established herself as a tireless advocate for health equity, an innovative thinker, and a proven implementer in addressing intricate challenges. I am enthused by her achievements and optimistic about the potential her appointment brings to our Alliance and our endeavors to safeguard future generations. Additionally, I extend gratitude to David Marlow for his effective leadership as Gavi’s CEO ad interim. His unwavering commitment to propelling Gavi forward, through spearheading crucial structural and cultural reforms, has positioned Gavi optimally to meet its current and future objectives.
In response to her appointment, Dr. Sania Nishtar expressed her sentiments, stating, ” Health starts with life-saving vaccines. Over the past 23 years, Gavi has been one of the most impactful organisations in global health. The task ahead is enormous – from health impacts of climate change, to the need to tackle vaccine inequity, prepare for future outbreaks and boost routine immunisation, which I believe is the gateway to achieving Universal Health Coverage. I am honoured by the trust the Gavi Board has placed in me and look forward to working with Gavi’s talented staff and skilled Alliance partners to ensure Gavi reaches hundreds of millions of children in lower-income countries with life-saving vaccines against deadly and debilitating diseases.”
David Marlow, serving as Gavi’s CEO ad interim, expressed his esteem for having led Gavi alongside the senior leadership team during this interim phase and extends congratulations to the Board for successfully appointing Dr. Sania Nishtar as the organization’s forthcoming CEO. In collaboration with the Gavi team, Mr. Marlow eagerly anticipates close collaboration with Dr. Nishtar and the Alliance partners, aligning efforts to achieve the organization’s ambitious objectives.
Dr. Nishtar’s appointment is particularly timely for Gavi, given that the fifth five-year strategic period is concluding at the close of 2025. In 2024, Gavi will seek Board approval for its 2026–2030 strategy, underscoring the significance of Dr. Nishtar’s leadership during this pivotal phase. In addition to shaping future strategy, Dr. Nishtar will prioritize fundraising initiatives, with pre-established plans for a distinguished event to launch Gavi’s investment opportunity. This event, co-hosted by France and Africa CDC in June, is poised to serve as a focal point for catalyzing support and resources for Gavi’s mission.
