MEDIA IN MUSLIM CONTEXTS: INVENTING AND REINVENTING IDENTITIES
Nov 3-4, 2016
The Aga Khan University’s Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (ISMC) and Graduate School of Media and Communications (GSMC) will be holding an academic conference entitled, Media in Muslim Contexts: Inventing and Reinventing Identities, at its London campus (210 Euston Road, NW1 2DA) on Nov 3-4, 2016.
http://www.aku.edu/ismc/research/activi ... texts.aspx
The international conference will bring together a broad and international range of researchers, policy-makers and practitioners, from a variety of disciplinary and geographical backgrounds. Keynote addresses and panels feature over 40 speakers addressing themes such as media and the invention of history; media and the nation; media as vehicles of resistance; iconoclasm and image wars, satire, the impact of new media and social media, studies of media in local contexts and media and youth culture. The conference is organized and hosted by the Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations of The Aga Kh​an University at its campus in London, and is organised in cooperation with the University’s Graduate School of Media and Communications in Nairobi.
There is no registration fee but places are limited.
REGISTER online to attend the conference or join via WEBINAR (Day 1 and/or Day 2) if you are unable to attend in person.
Aga Khan University set to expand
Principals' Conference
Wednesday, October 19 at 8:45 AM - 5:00 PM in UTC+05
Karachi
Details
Initiated by the Aga Khan University Examination Board with support from the Oxford University Press, the conference serves as a platform for educationists to deliberate on prevalent educational issues in Pakistan. The conference also provides an opportunity for networking amongst peers, building linkages, developing capacity and sharing best practices. This year’s conference aims to provide structured learning opportunities to Pakistan’s educational leadership which will assist them to gain insights into school improvement from an indigenous as well as a global perspective; additionally, to discuss methods to improve school leadership in order to promote better teaching and learning across the country.
More....
https://www.facebook.com/events/172890666473986/
Wednesday, October 19 at 8:45 AM - 5:00 PM in UTC+05
Karachi
Details
Initiated by the Aga Khan University Examination Board with support from the Oxford University Press, the conference serves as a platform for educationists to deliberate on prevalent educational issues in Pakistan. The conference also provides an opportunity for networking amongst peers, building linkages, developing capacity and sharing best practices. This year’s conference aims to provide structured learning opportunities to Pakistan’s educational leadership which will assist them to gain insights into school improvement from an indigenous as well as a global perspective; additionally, to discuss methods to improve school leadership in order to promote better teaching and learning across the country.
More....
https://www.facebook.com/events/172890666473986/
Experts discuss strategies for a more peaceful Pakistan
Experts in the field of medicine, business, the arts, and social policy highlighted a range of strategies to build peace and stability in Pakistan on the final day of the National Health Sciences Research Symposium, the Aga Khan University’s annual event on Sunday.
Neuroscience researchers and clinicians shared insights on how the mind and brain can contribute to, or take away from, individual and social peace while people from the arts and humanities narrated their efforts to introduce positive change in society and the process of overcoming challenges in their private and public lives.
Creative arts play a vital role in human development, from rehabilitative treatments for post traumatic stress disorder after violent incidents to programmes to treat mental illnesses noted Dr Saad Shafqat, Professor of Neurology at AKU while moderating the session on Art, Music, Literature and the Mind.
Actor and social worker Nadia Jamil described the performing arts as being one of the most empowering tools for social change. She explained how many societies were able to create powerful narratives that enabled them to unite their people and progress.
“I wish more Muslim societies picked up the pen rather than the sword in order to change the world around us. Art helps us connect with other people’s experiences and nurtures empathy. It makes us remember what came before us and enables us to spread positive messages for social good,” she added.
Nigeria-based psychiatrist Olayinka Omigbodun agreed about the idea of art for change. Television and theatre plays can be used to confront long standing traditions and stigmas in society and noted that the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, is beginning to play an important role in shaping perceptions about mental health.
Jamal Shah, actor and director, while also talking about art as a vital outlet for society, spoke about how on an individual level each person faces inherent loneliness. Only by embarking on a creative journey can one fill this void and as one becomes self-aware the creativity that results can have an impact on the community and the world around them.
In another session on Mindfulness, Spirituality and the Human Condition, mental health experts discussed how to heal wounds in society. David Arthur, Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at AKU, spoke of the soothing impact that spirituality can have on the soul.
Dr Arthur mentioned that techniques such as mindfulness – the practice of making oneself aware of the present instead of being worried about the past and the future – can be very beneficial.
He said: “Don’t always be in a hurry. Be interested in every interaction and truly live in the moment. When you do this you’ll notice that everything you do is more enriching. We should all focus on experiencing the moment.”
Consultant psychiatrist Sarah Eagger, from the UK, agreed with Dr Arthur and mentioned the negative influence of stress in society on our individual wellbeing. Outlining coping strategies, she said: “We should try to return to the silence and peace that precede the stressful moment. People also tend to be very critical of themselves and others which is very harmful to society. Instead we should focus on being compassionate to ourselves and each other.”
In the session on Psychopathology of Violence and Terrorism, Dr Murad Khan, Professor of Psychiatry at AKU and moderator of the session, noted that violent incidents and terrorist attacks in Pakistan has led to many people being exposed to trauma and many families having to cope with the consequences of violence with little recourse to help.
Social activist Jibran Nasir noted that Pakistani society, over time, has become more violent and intolerant. Conflicts over political ideology, religious doctrine and regional separatism have spilled over into public space with the result that people have become increasingly concerned about their own safety and more indifferent to the plight of others. He stressed the importance of speaking out against injustice and of continuing the mission of those who had been silenced by violence.
When asked whether everyone should pursue political change through activism, he replied: “Be a good citizen first by paying your taxes and by abiding by the law. There is room for everyone to contribute to society but remember that society needs all kinds of people to prosper. Everyone shouldn’t aspire to becoming a political activist but they should do as much as they can to improve what is around them.”
At the conclusion of the conference, Dr Ayesha Mian, Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at AKU said: “We’ve brought together experts from around the world to share their scientific and medical expertise. Sessions throughout the conference have led to new ideas and much excitement about the field of neuroscience which is important not only to every person’s health but has insights that can impact society as a whole.”
https://www.aku.edu/news/pages/News_Det ... EWS-000237
Experts in the field of medicine, business, the arts, and social policy highlighted a range of strategies to build peace and stability in Pakistan on the final day of the National Health Sciences Research Symposium, the Aga Khan University’s annual event on Sunday.
Neuroscience researchers and clinicians shared insights on how the mind and brain can contribute to, or take away from, individual and social peace while people from the arts and humanities narrated their efforts to introduce positive change in society and the process of overcoming challenges in their private and public lives.
Creative arts play a vital role in human development, from rehabilitative treatments for post traumatic stress disorder after violent incidents to programmes to treat mental illnesses noted Dr Saad Shafqat, Professor of Neurology at AKU while moderating the session on Art, Music, Literature and the Mind.
Actor and social worker Nadia Jamil described the performing arts as being one of the most empowering tools for social change. She explained how many societies were able to create powerful narratives that enabled them to unite their people and progress.
“I wish more Muslim societies picked up the pen rather than the sword in order to change the world around us. Art helps us connect with other people’s experiences and nurtures empathy. It makes us remember what came before us and enables us to spread positive messages for social good,” she added.
Nigeria-based psychiatrist Olayinka Omigbodun agreed about the idea of art for change. Television and theatre plays can be used to confront long standing traditions and stigmas in society and noted that the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, is beginning to play an important role in shaping perceptions about mental health.
Jamal Shah, actor and director, while also talking about art as a vital outlet for society, spoke about how on an individual level each person faces inherent loneliness. Only by embarking on a creative journey can one fill this void and as one becomes self-aware the creativity that results can have an impact on the community and the world around them.
In another session on Mindfulness, Spirituality and the Human Condition, mental health experts discussed how to heal wounds in society. David Arthur, Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at AKU, spoke of the soothing impact that spirituality can have on the soul.
Dr Arthur mentioned that techniques such as mindfulness – the practice of making oneself aware of the present instead of being worried about the past and the future – can be very beneficial.
He said: “Don’t always be in a hurry. Be interested in every interaction and truly live in the moment. When you do this you’ll notice that everything you do is more enriching. We should all focus on experiencing the moment.”
Consultant psychiatrist Sarah Eagger, from the UK, agreed with Dr Arthur and mentioned the negative influence of stress in society on our individual wellbeing. Outlining coping strategies, she said: “We should try to return to the silence and peace that precede the stressful moment. People also tend to be very critical of themselves and others which is very harmful to society. Instead we should focus on being compassionate to ourselves and each other.”
In the session on Psychopathology of Violence and Terrorism, Dr Murad Khan, Professor of Psychiatry at AKU and moderator of the session, noted that violent incidents and terrorist attacks in Pakistan has led to many people being exposed to trauma and many families having to cope with the consequences of violence with little recourse to help.
Social activist Jibran Nasir noted that Pakistani society, over time, has become more violent and intolerant. Conflicts over political ideology, religious doctrine and regional separatism have spilled over into public space with the result that people have become increasingly concerned about their own safety and more indifferent to the plight of others. He stressed the importance of speaking out against injustice and of continuing the mission of those who had been silenced by violence.
When asked whether everyone should pursue political change through activism, he replied: “Be a good citizen first by paying your taxes and by abiding by the law. There is room for everyone to contribute to society but remember that society needs all kinds of people to prosper. Everyone shouldn’t aspire to becoming a political activist but they should do as much as they can to improve what is around them.”
At the conclusion of the conference, Dr Ayesha Mian, Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at AKU said: “We’ve brought together experts from around the world to share their scientific and medical expertise. Sessions throughout the conference have led to new ideas and much excitement about the field of neuroscience which is important not only to every person’s health but has insights that can impact society as a whole.”
https://www.aku.edu/news/pages/News_Det ... EWS-000237
Marleen Temmerman wint “Outstanding Female Scientist Award”
09/11/2016 om 23:01 | Bron: BELGA- Print- Corrigeer
Professor Marleen Temmerman heeft dinsdag de “Outstanding Female Scientist Award” gewonnen. Aan deze bekroning, die wordt toegekend door de European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), hangt een geldprijs van 20.000 euro. De EDCTP zet zich onder meer in voor de samenwerking tussen Afrika en Europa op het vlak van medisch onderzoek. De Belgische gynaecologe is sinds vorig jaar verbonden aan de Aga Khan-universiteit in de Keniaanse hoofdstad Nairobi.
De award wordt uitgereikt aan een “vrouwelijke onderzoekster van wereldklasse” die verblijft in Sub-Sahara-Afrika, luidt een verklaring woensdag. Temmerman kreeg de prijs dinsdag overhandigd in het Zambiaanse Lusaka.
http://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20161109_02565143
Google translate:
Professor Marleen Temmerman said Tuesday the "Outstanding Woman Scientist Award". At this award, which is awarded by the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), hangs a cash prize of 20,000 euros. The EDCTP puts itself in the cooperation between Africa and Europe in the field of medical research. The Belgian gynecologist is linked to the Aga Khan University in the Kenyan capital Nairobi since last year.
The award is presented to a "female researcher world" residing in Sub-Saharan Africa, says a statement Wednesday. Temmerman received the award Tuesday handed over the Zambian Lusaka.
09/11/2016 om 23:01 | Bron: BELGA- Print- Corrigeer
Professor Marleen Temmerman heeft dinsdag de “Outstanding Female Scientist Award” gewonnen. Aan deze bekroning, die wordt toegekend door de European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), hangt een geldprijs van 20.000 euro. De EDCTP zet zich onder meer in voor de samenwerking tussen Afrika en Europa op het vlak van medisch onderzoek. De Belgische gynaecologe is sinds vorig jaar verbonden aan de Aga Khan-universiteit in de Keniaanse hoofdstad Nairobi.
De award wordt uitgereikt aan een “vrouwelijke onderzoekster van wereldklasse” die verblijft in Sub-Sahara-Afrika, luidt een verklaring woensdag. Temmerman kreeg de prijs dinsdag overhandigd in het Zambiaanse Lusaka.
http://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20161109_02565143
Google translate:
Professor Marleen Temmerman said Tuesday the "Outstanding Woman Scientist Award". At this award, which is awarded by the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), hangs a cash prize of 20,000 euros. The EDCTP puts itself in the cooperation between Africa and Europe in the field of medical research. The Belgian gynecologist is linked to the Aga Khan University in the Kenyan capital Nairobi since last year.
The award is presented to a "female researcher world" residing in Sub-Saharan Africa, says a statement Wednesday. Temmerman received the award Tuesday handed over the Zambian Lusaka.
Maternal/child health project Umeed-e-Nau launched in 14 districts of Pakistan
The Aga Khan University and key government officials marked the launch of a major new project aimed at improving maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health in Pakistan.
Funded by a US$25 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Umeed-e-Nau (new hope) is a five-year project that will see AKU work with public sector programmes and primary care providers such as Lady Health Workers and Community Health Midwives to deliver proven interventions and improve the quality of c
"Umeed-e-Nau will test a variety of approaches in an effort to develop insights and evidence that can influence policy across the country and beyond its borders."
Professor Zulfiqar Bhutta
are at health facilities in 14 mainly rural districts in Balochistan, Southern Punjab and Sindh, as well as urban slums in Karachi.
The districts include Badin, Dadu, Hyderabad/Matiari, Karachi, Jafferabad, Jamshoro, Lasbela, Mirpur Khas, Muzaffargarh, Nasirabad, Qambar Shahdadkot, Rahim Yar Khan, Sanghar and Thatta. The project also includes a groundbreaking effort to provide health education through schools for adolescent girls in Pakistan.
More...
https://www.aku.edu/news/pages/News_Det ... EWS-000239
********
International Conference for Nurses and Midwives
Inspire, Educate & Save live
November 18, 2016
9:00 am-5:30 pm | Karachi
School of Nursing and Midwifery
Theme:
Nurses & Midwives
Transforming Health Care Systems from Local to Global
Impetus for the Conference:
AKU-SONAM is planning to organize an International conference for Nurses and Midwives (ICNM) in Karachi, Pakistan, with following objectives:
•To reflect on the contribution of AKU-SONAM graduates to the profession and health care systems, organizations and institutions they serve.
•To exhibit the impact of nurses’, midwives’, faculty, graduate students’ and AKU-SONAM alumni in Transforming Health Care Systems from Local to Global
•To extend AKU-SONAM collaboration with nursing regulatory and professional education bodies to continue to make a difference in the profession within Pakistan and in the region.
•To acknowledge 35 years of accomplishment and build the future directions.
Duration:
November 17-18, 2016
*******
AKU-EB celebrates achievements of High Achievers 2016
One hundred and sixty-two students nationwide were recognized for their outstanding performance in the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) examinations, held by the Aga Khan University Examination Board, at their high achievers award ceremony in Karachi today.
A large number of parents, school principals and teachers were present at the ceremony to appreciate and encourage the high achievers.
"We are proud of our AKU-EB graduates, many of whom have successfully obtained admissions to renowned national and international universities. It is heartening to see the impact that the Examination Board is having on our society by being a model of excellence and innovation in education for Pakistan,” remarked Firoz Rasul, President AKU.
Girls topped the SSC examinations with the overall first position awarded to Alina Fatima from Al-Murtaza School, Karachi and Hira Naz from Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Kuragh, Chitral. In second position was Ruhaina Nadeem from Nasra School, Karachi and the third position was awarded to Shehla Tanveer from Maryam Siddiqa Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Chiniot and Maryam Ihsan from Nusrat Jehan Academy Girls High School, Chiniot, Punjab.
More...
https://examinationboard.aku.edu/abouta ... -2016.aspx
******
The Aga Khan University and key government officials marked the launch of a major new project aimed at improving maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health in Pakistan.
Funded by a US$25 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Umeed-e-Nau (new hope) is a five-year project that will see AKU work with public sector programmes and primary care providers such as Lady Health Workers and Community Health Midwives to deliver proven interventions and improve the quality of c
"Umeed-e-Nau will test a variety of approaches in an effort to develop insights and evidence that can influence policy across the country and beyond its borders."
Professor Zulfiqar Bhutta
are at health facilities in 14 mainly rural districts in Balochistan, Southern Punjab and Sindh, as well as urban slums in Karachi.
The districts include Badin, Dadu, Hyderabad/Matiari, Karachi, Jafferabad, Jamshoro, Lasbela, Mirpur Khas, Muzaffargarh, Nasirabad, Qambar Shahdadkot, Rahim Yar Khan, Sanghar and Thatta. The project also includes a groundbreaking effort to provide health education through schools for adolescent girls in Pakistan.
More...
https://www.aku.edu/news/pages/News_Det ... EWS-000239
********
International Conference for Nurses and Midwives
Inspire, Educate & Save live
November 18, 2016
9:00 am-5:30 pm | Karachi
School of Nursing and Midwifery
Theme:
Nurses & Midwives
Transforming Health Care Systems from Local to Global
Impetus for the Conference:
AKU-SONAM is planning to organize an International conference for Nurses and Midwives (ICNM) in Karachi, Pakistan, with following objectives:
•To reflect on the contribution of AKU-SONAM graduates to the profession and health care systems, organizations and institutions they serve.
•To exhibit the impact of nurses’, midwives’, faculty, graduate students’ and AKU-SONAM alumni in Transforming Health Care Systems from Local to Global
•To extend AKU-SONAM collaboration with nursing regulatory and professional education bodies to continue to make a difference in the profession within Pakistan and in the region.
•To acknowledge 35 years of accomplishment and build the future directions.
Duration:
November 17-18, 2016
*******
AKU-EB celebrates achievements of High Achievers 2016
One hundred and sixty-two students nationwide were recognized for their outstanding performance in the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) examinations, held by the Aga Khan University Examination Board, at their high achievers award ceremony in Karachi today.
A large number of parents, school principals and teachers were present at the ceremony to appreciate and encourage the high achievers.
"We are proud of our AKU-EB graduates, many of whom have successfully obtained admissions to renowned national and international universities. It is heartening to see the impact that the Examination Board is having on our society by being a model of excellence and innovation in education for Pakistan,” remarked Firoz Rasul, President AKU.
Girls topped the SSC examinations with the overall first position awarded to Alina Fatima from Al-Murtaza School, Karachi and Hira Naz from Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Kuragh, Chitral. In second position was Ruhaina Nadeem from Nasra School, Karachi and the third position was awarded to Shehla Tanveer from Maryam Siddiqa Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Chiniot and Maryam Ihsan from Nusrat Jehan Academy Girls High School, Chiniot, Punjab.
More...
https://examinationboard.aku.edu/abouta ... -2016.aspx
******
Aga Khan University partnership takes health services to EA mothers, children
The Aga Khan University (AKU) is working with 100 government health centres in Kenya and Tanzania to enhance healthcare access to half a million mothers and children.
AKU’s vice president in charge of Finance and the Chief Finance Officer, Mr Al-Karim Haji, said the exercise will include research to identify gaps in quality healthcare access enabling formulation of policies and mitigation measures for delivery of better services.
He said research findings will be shared among policy makers, the academia and management teams thereby enabling them to work together towards achieving UN sustainable development goals which include eradication of poverty, enhancing education, promoting development and healthcare access.
We have provided students with access to quality training, thanks to our partners Johnson and Johnson’s Corporate Citizenship Trust, the French Development Bank, Global Affairs Canada, the German Government and other supporters,” he said.
Mr Haji spoke when he addressed an inter-professional healthcare conference in Nairobi commemorating AKU’s 15-year partnership with Johnson and Johnson’s Corporate Citizenship Trust last week.
The Trust’s managing director Frank Welvaert hailed the partnership saying it had a long term impact on people’s lives across East Africa and urged for closer company working to fund programmes with far reaching impact on society.
“The challenges we face today are complex and you cannot solve them alone via your products or service, you need to partner with like-minded organisations that will share knowledge, learn from them and create a new way to solve the problems,” he said.
MOre...
http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Aga- ... 72-x2vrfn/
The Aga Khan University (AKU) is working with 100 government health centres in Kenya and Tanzania to enhance healthcare access to half a million mothers and children.
AKU’s vice president in charge of Finance and the Chief Finance Officer, Mr Al-Karim Haji, said the exercise will include research to identify gaps in quality healthcare access enabling formulation of policies and mitigation measures for delivery of better services.
He said research findings will be shared among policy makers, the academia and management teams thereby enabling them to work together towards achieving UN sustainable development goals which include eradication of poverty, enhancing education, promoting development and healthcare access.
We have provided students with access to quality training, thanks to our partners Johnson and Johnson’s Corporate Citizenship Trust, the French Development Bank, Global Affairs Canada, the German Government and other supporters,” he said.
Mr Haji spoke when he addressed an inter-professional healthcare conference in Nairobi commemorating AKU’s 15-year partnership with Johnson and Johnson’s Corporate Citizenship Trust last week.
The Trust’s managing director Frank Welvaert hailed the partnership saying it had a long term impact on people’s lives across East Africa and urged for closer company working to fund programmes with far reaching impact on society.
“The challenges we face today are complex and you cannot solve them alone via your products or service, you need to partner with like-minded organisations that will share knowledge, learn from them and create a new way to solve the problems,” he said.
MOre...
http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Aga- ... 72-x2vrfn/
Pakistani nurses and midwives playing crucial role in achieving SDGs
https://www.aku.edu/news/pages/News_Det ... EWS-000245
Pakistan now has nurses with the advanced research and clinical skills needed to solve the root causes of poor health, gender inequality and under-development in society, said experts at the International Conference on Nurses and Midwives at the Aga Khan University.
Speakers at the two-day event Nurses and Midwives: Transforming Healthcare Systems from Local to Global noted that today’s nurses hold management positions in hospitals, lead research in community health initiatives across the country, advise on national and regional guidelines that shape curriculums, and conduct educational programmes that develop the next generation of nursing leaders.
Conference Chair Professor Rozina Karmaliani stated that the breadth and depth of skills held by today’s nurses and midwives are enabling Pakistan to secure the social determinants of health – the set of forces, norms and systems that shape the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live and age – which help meet the country’s commitments to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Many of the SDG commitments primarily concern women such as maternal mortality, infant mortality, gender equality and domestic violence, she added.
In her keynote speech Uncovering Voices, Empowering Women: The Key to Sustainable Development, Dr Afaf Meleis, Professor of Nursing and Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania, expanded on this idea. She explained how major targets under the SDGs placed an emphasis on women’s empowerment and how they are intimately related to nursing.
“There is a gender divide across the world that makes women socially, culturally and biologically at higher risk of morbidity, mortality and inferior quality of life. Unequal access to healthcare, unfairness in economic opportunities and the vulnerable status of many women in society opens up opportunities for nurses and midwives to support, educate and empower women throughout their lives,” said Professor Meleis.
Professor Meleis added that nurses and midwives are instrumental in supporting maternal and child health goals tied to SDG 3. Beyond their medical role, their work in communities makes them aware of economic and social challenges. This enables them to apply their education in public health research to investigate effective forms of health awareness and preventive strategies which support lifelong opportunities under SDGs 4 [access to quality education] and 10 [reducing inequalities]. By boosting awareness and access to healthcare, the profession impacts gender equality and economic prospects – SDGs 5 and 8 – leading to the stability and resilience of societies sought under SDGs 9, 11 and 16.
Highlighting strategies to strengthen the nursing and midwifery profession in Pakistan, Dr Arwa Oweis, from the World Health Organization, mentioned challenges in scaling up the health workforce and the importance of strengthening nursing and midwifery regulation, education and practice. This can be achieved by creating operational plans for existing strategies.
In line with the conference’s theme Transforming Healthcare Systems, organised on the 35th anniversary of the founding of AKU’s School of Nursing and Midwifery (SONAM), Pakistan’s first-ever university to offer an academic degree – rather than a diploma – in nursing, speakers also highlighted how nursing in Pakistan has been transformed over the last three decades and how the impact of developments in Pakistan extended across borders.
Commenting on how advanced education in nursing is enabling nurses to have a global impact, Professor Karmaliani pointed out that Pakistan’s first PhD nurse Yasmin Amarsi played a key role in introducing the first bachelor’s and master’s nursing curriculum in Pakistan, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda that have produced over 6,000 degree and diploma holders.
Professor Karmaliani added that the current Dean of AKU’s School of Nursing and Midwifery in East Africa, Sharon Brownie, is advising the East Africa Community an intergovernmental body on harmonising nursing programmes across five nation states. Such programmes will introduce global benchmarks and standards into East African education and pave the way for nurses to work flexibly between countries. This will ultimately raise East Africa’s health indicators and help the region meet its promises under the Sustainable Development Goals, she added.
Dr David Arthur, Dean of SONAM in Pakistan, also emphasised the importance of developments in the midwifery profession. He said: “Educated midwives play a crucial role in improving the safety of deliveries. Midwives with degrees are more attuned to changes in a pregnant woman’s health, more experienced in dealing with the challenges of working in low-resource settings and more confident in making decisions on how to deal with complications. This is especially valuable in Pakistan which has inadequate rural healthcare facilities and poor ambulance services in remote areas.”
He also highlighted that AKU is working in collaboration with universities in several countries in Africa, Middle East, Central Asia and South Asia to add expertise from around the world into SONAM’s nursing curriculum. Globally, nursing education is responding to contemporary public health challenges from non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular illnesses and AKU is doing the same by introducing a master’s level nursing course focused on cardiology in 2017, Dr Arthur added.
AKU graduate Dr Rafat Jan, who is the first nurse-midwife to head the Pakistan Nursing Council (which determines curriculum requirements across Pakistan) and also leads the Midwifery Association of Pakistan, spoke about the Vision and Strategic Directions: Future of Pakistan’s Nurses and Midwives in her address.
Dr Jan said: “Adapting international guidelines into competency-based curriculums and introducing specialty education nurses enables nurses to be better skilled and more directly involved in acute and critical care. This is a benefit for patients and families who rely on nurses and daily caregivers to guide them through all stages of the challenging recovery process.”
The conference also covered a range of workshops, bringing together more than 500 nursing clinicians, researchers, educators, and leaders from across Pakistan. Sessions during the workshops highlighted the importance of e-learning, nurses’ role in rapid response situations to save lives as well as research developments in the spheres of healthcare policy, public health and hospital management.
Other speakers at the conference included chief guest Mahtab Akbar Rashidi, Member, Sindh Assembly; Firoz Rasul, President, Aga Khan University; and Hans Kedzierski, CEO, Aga Khan University Hospital.​
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Karachi Convocation 2016
Awarding of degrees and diplomas to graduating students
November 19, 2016
10:30 pm | Karachi
Aga Khan University
Aga Khan University is holding its 29th Convocation in Pakistan. Around 400 students are expected to receive their degrees and diplomas for undergraduate and graduate level programmes offered at School of Nursing and Midwifery, Medical College and Institute for Educational Development in Pakistan and at the Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations in United Kingdom.
https://www.aku.edu/news/pages/News_Det ... EWS-000245
Pakistan now has nurses with the advanced research and clinical skills needed to solve the root causes of poor health, gender inequality and under-development in society, said experts at the International Conference on Nurses and Midwives at the Aga Khan University.
Speakers at the two-day event Nurses and Midwives: Transforming Healthcare Systems from Local to Global noted that today’s nurses hold management positions in hospitals, lead research in community health initiatives across the country, advise on national and regional guidelines that shape curriculums, and conduct educational programmes that develop the next generation of nursing leaders.
Conference Chair Professor Rozina Karmaliani stated that the breadth and depth of skills held by today’s nurses and midwives are enabling Pakistan to secure the social determinants of health – the set of forces, norms and systems that shape the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live and age – which help meet the country’s commitments to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Many of the SDG commitments primarily concern women such as maternal mortality, infant mortality, gender equality and domestic violence, she added.
In her keynote speech Uncovering Voices, Empowering Women: The Key to Sustainable Development, Dr Afaf Meleis, Professor of Nursing and Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania, expanded on this idea. She explained how major targets under the SDGs placed an emphasis on women’s empowerment and how they are intimately related to nursing.
“There is a gender divide across the world that makes women socially, culturally and biologically at higher risk of morbidity, mortality and inferior quality of life. Unequal access to healthcare, unfairness in economic opportunities and the vulnerable status of many women in society opens up opportunities for nurses and midwives to support, educate and empower women throughout their lives,” said Professor Meleis.
Professor Meleis added that nurses and midwives are instrumental in supporting maternal and child health goals tied to SDG 3. Beyond their medical role, their work in communities makes them aware of economic and social challenges. This enables them to apply their education in public health research to investigate effective forms of health awareness and preventive strategies which support lifelong opportunities under SDGs 4 [access to quality education] and 10 [reducing inequalities]. By boosting awareness and access to healthcare, the profession impacts gender equality and economic prospects – SDGs 5 and 8 – leading to the stability and resilience of societies sought under SDGs 9, 11 and 16.
Highlighting strategies to strengthen the nursing and midwifery profession in Pakistan, Dr Arwa Oweis, from the World Health Organization, mentioned challenges in scaling up the health workforce and the importance of strengthening nursing and midwifery regulation, education and practice. This can be achieved by creating operational plans for existing strategies.
In line with the conference’s theme Transforming Healthcare Systems, organised on the 35th anniversary of the founding of AKU’s School of Nursing and Midwifery (SONAM), Pakistan’s first-ever university to offer an academic degree – rather than a diploma – in nursing, speakers also highlighted how nursing in Pakistan has been transformed over the last three decades and how the impact of developments in Pakistan extended across borders.
Commenting on how advanced education in nursing is enabling nurses to have a global impact, Professor Karmaliani pointed out that Pakistan’s first PhD nurse Yasmin Amarsi played a key role in introducing the first bachelor’s and master’s nursing curriculum in Pakistan, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda that have produced over 6,000 degree and diploma holders.
Professor Karmaliani added that the current Dean of AKU’s School of Nursing and Midwifery in East Africa, Sharon Brownie, is advising the East Africa Community an intergovernmental body on harmonising nursing programmes across five nation states. Such programmes will introduce global benchmarks and standards into East African education and pave the way for nurses to work flexibly between countries. This will ultimately raise East Africa’s health indicators and help the region meet its promises under the Sustainable Development Goals, she added.
Dr David Arthur, Dean of SONAM in Pakistan, also emphasised the importance of developments in the midwifery profession. He said: “Educated midwives play a crucial role in improving the safety of deliveries. Midwives with degrees are more attuned to changes in a pregnant woman’s health, more experienced in dealing with the challenges of working in low-resource settings and more confident in making decisions on how to deal with complications. This is especially valuable in Pakistan which has inadequate rural healthcare facilities and poor ambulance services in remote areas.”
He also highlighted that AKU is working in collaboration with universities in several countries in Africa, Middle East, Central Asia and South Asia to add expertise from around the world into SONAM’s nursing curriculum. Globally, nursing education is responding to contemporary public health challenges from non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular illnesses and AKU is doing the same by introducing a master’s level nursing course focused on cardiology in 2017, Dr Arthur added.
AKU graduate Dr Rafat Jan, who is the first nurse-midwife to head the Pakistan Nursing Council (which determines curriculum requirements across Pakistan) and also leads the Midwifery Association of Pakistan, spoke about the Vision and Strategic Directions: Future of Pakistan’s Nurses and Midwives in her address.
Dr Jan said: “Adapting international guidelines into competency-based curriculums and introducing specialty education nurses enables nurses to be better skilled and more directly involved in acute and critical care. This is a benefit for patients and families who rely on nurses and daily caregivers to guide them through all stages of the challenging recovery process.”
The conference also covered a range of workshops, bringing together more than 500 nursing clinicians, researchers, educators, and leaders from across Pakistan. Sessions during the workshops highlighted the importance of e-learning, nurses’ role in rapid response situations to save lives as well as research developments in the spheres of healthcare policy, public health and hospital management.
Other speakers at the conference included chief guest Mahtab Akbar Rashidi, Member, Sindh Assembly; Firoz Rasul, President, Aga Khan University; and Hans Kedzierski, CEO, Aga Khan University Hospital.​
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Karachi Convocation 2016
Awarding of degrees and diplomas to graduating students
November 19, 2016
10:30 pm | Karachi
Aga Khan University
Aga Khan University is holding its 29th Convocation in Pakistan. Around 400 students are expected to receive their degrees and diplomas for undergraduate and graduate level programmes offered at School of Nursing and Midwifery, Medical College and Institute for Educational Development in Pakistan and at the Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations in United Kingdom.
15 Years of Quality Nursing Education and Healthcare in East Africa
Coastweek-- The Aga Khan University (AKU), the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the Johnson & Johnson Corporate Citizenship Trust (Trust) and over 200 local and international health professionals kicked off a three-day conference focused on delivering quality health care in East Africa.
The conference, held at the Nairobi Safari Park Hotel, also celebrated the University’s 15 years in East Africa, and the 15-year partnership between AKU, AKDN and the Trust to enhance nursing education.
The conference addresses the need for systematic approaches to quality improvement across health care systems – from research to education, from community-based care to hospitals – and the impact that focusing on health systems and quality can have on achieving the targets in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr. Nicholas Muraguri, Principle Secretary of the Kenya Ministry of Health and Chief Guest at the conference launch, commended AKU and the AKDN for the immense contribution they have made to health, education and civil society institutions in East Africa. He urged them and their partners to continue collaborating with public health systems to achieve health for all.
More...
http://www.coastweek.com/3947-culture-03.htm
Coastweek-- The Aga Khan University (AKU), the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the Johnson & Johnson Corporate Citizenship Trust (Trust) and over 200 local and international health professionals kicked off a three-day conference focused on delivering quality health care in East Africa.
The conference, held at the Nairobi Safari Park Hotel, also celebrated the University’s 15 years in East Africa, and the 15-year partnership between AKU, AKDN and the Trust to enhance nursing education.
The conference addresses the need for systematic approaches to quality improvement across health care systems – from research to education, from community-based care to hospitals – and the impact that focusing on health systems and quality can have on achieving the targets in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr. Nicholas Muraguri, Principle Secretary of the Kenya Ministry of Health and Chief Guest at the conference launch, commended AKU and the AKDN for the immense contribution they have made to health, education and civil society institutions in East Africa. He urged them and their partners to continue collaborating with public health systems to achieve health for all.
More...
http://www.coastweek.com/3947-culture-03.htm
Murad stresses for a broad-based, multidisciplinary education
KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, on Saturday stressed the need and importance of a broad-based, multidisciplinary education to meet challanges facing the country.
Addressing as chief guest to the Aga Khan University (AKU) 29the convocation, he said "We need natural scientists and social scientists, writers and artists, entrepreneurs and public policy experts who can work across boundaries of all kind in order to start and lead progress in wide range of fields".
While praising the AKU's plans to invest in a new Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) in Karachi, he spoke of the social contribution that a liberal arts education can make.
"The FAS will fill a deep need within Pakistan for universities that create leaders who possess the critical thinking, creativity and problem solving skills, an inquiring mind, breadth of knowledge and respect for all people needed to tackle the most complex challenges the country faces. This is the mission of the FAS and the government of Sindh encourages the AKU to make this a reality".
The chief minister also spoke of the "unyielding power" of their education to impact humanity and urged graduates to use their skills to address many issues in Pakistani society. "Be conscious of that power and use it to give the best to humanity", he added.
Firoz Rasul, President, AKU in his welcome address spoke about how we, as human beings, seek a higher purpose, a challenge that brings meaning to our lives, and that leaves a mark on the lives of others.
He mentioned that one great challenge is the Sustainable Development Goals that 193 countries, including Pakistan, have committed to by 2030.
"If Pakistan were to meet them, it would be a country transformed a place where no child suffers from hunger, every boy and girl is taught by well-qualified teachers, and all people have access to high-quality healthcare. At AKU, we are working to make that vision a reality, as an educator of leaders, a source of research that generates solutions to critical challenges and a provider of life-saving health care", Firoz Rasul stated.
Later, Aziza Jaffer Ali received the 2016 Best Graduate Award from the School of Nursing and Midwifery. She was also presented with the Nursing Practice Award given to the student whose clinical and community practice reflects a client-centered approach, distinctive critical thinking, problem solving abilities and ethical decision making.
The Medical College-2016 Best Graduate Award was presented to Dr Saneeha Shahid, for the highest aggregate score in the certifying examinations through the five-year MBBS degree programme.
http://www.brecorder.com/pakistan/gener ... ation.html
****
1,382 students awarded degrees at AKU convocation
http://www.brecorder.com/general-news/172/104800/
******
Kyrgyzstan – Regime Security and Foreign Policy
November 30, 2016
5:30 pm | London
Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations
Kyrgyzstan is an interesting example of a relatively weak state: for its brief period of independence it has already ousted two presidents, experienced two revolutions, survived two interethnic conflicts and yet remained intact.
This book explores this apparent paradox and argues that the schism between domestic and international dimensions of state and regime security is key to understanding the nature of Kyrgyz politics. The book also shows how the foreign policy links to the Manas Air Base. Used by the US military, the base was essential for supplying their forces in Afghanistan, the economic arrangements necessary for sustaining the base, both inside and outside Kyrgyzstan, and the myriad of different actors involved in all this, combined to overshadow points of friction to ensure stable continuance of the status quo. Overall, the book shows how broad geopolitical forces and complex local factors together have a huge impact on the formation of Kyrgyz foreign policy.
About the Speaker
Kemel Toktomushev is a Research Fellow at the Institute of Public Policy and Administration of the University of Central Asia. Kemel earned his PhD in Politics from the University of Exeter and his MSc degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics. He has extensive work experience in both Western and Central Asian environments, and his primary research interests focus on regime security, virtual politics, and informal political economy of Central Asia. Kemel is the author of the forthcoming book ‘Kyrgyzstan – Regime Security and Foreign Policy’ (UK: Routledge).
Registration
To attend the event in person please register here.
To attend the online webinar please register here.
https://www.aku.edu/events/Pages/event- ... ign+Policy
KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, on Saturday stressed the need and importance of a broad-based, multidisciplinary education to meet challanges facing the country.
Addressing as chief guest to the Aga Khan University (AKU) 29the convocation, he said "We need natural scientists and social scientists, writers and artists, entrepreneurs and public policy experts who can work across boundaries of all kind in order to start and lead progress in wide range of fields".
While praising the AKU's plans to invest in a new Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) in Karachi, he spoke of the social contribution that a liberal arts education can make.
"The FAS will fill a deep need within Pakistan for universities that create leaders who possess the critical thinking, creativity and problem solving skills, an inquiring mind, breadth of knowledge and respect for all people needed to tackle the most complex challenges the country faces. This is the mission of the FAS and the government of Sindh encourages the AKU to make this a reality".
The chief minister also spoke of the "unyielding power" of their education to impact humanity and urged graduates to use their skills to address many issues in Pakistani society. "Be conscious of that power and use it to give the best to humanity", he added.
Firoz Rasul, President, AKU in his welcome address spoke about how we, as human beings, seek a higher purpose, a challenge that brings meaning to our lives, and that leaves a mark on the lives of others.
He mentioned that one great challenge is the Sustainable Development Goals that 193 countries, including Pakistan, have committed to by 2030.
"If Pakistan were to meet them, it would be a country transformed a place where no child suffers from hunger, every boy and girl is taught by well-qualified teachers, and all people have access to high-quality healthcare. At AKU, we are working to make that vision a reality, as an educator of leaders, a source of research that generates solutions to critical challenges and a provider of life-saving health care", Firoz Rasul stated.
Later, Aziza Jaffer Ali received the 2016 Best Graduate Award from the School of Nursing and Midwifery. She was also presented with the Nursing Practice Award given to the student whose clinical and community practice reflects a client-centered approach, distinctive critical thinking, problem solving abilities and ethical decision making.
The Medical College-2016 Best Graduate Award was presented to Dr Saneeha Shahid, for the highest aggregate score in the certifying examinations through the five-year MBBS degree programme.
http://www.brecorder.com/pakistan/gener ... ation.html
****
1,382 students awarded degrees at AKU convocation
http://www.brecorder.com/general-news/172/104800/
******
Kyrgyzstan – Regime Security and Foreign Policy
November 30, 2016
5:30 pm | London
Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations
Kyrgyzstan is an interesting example of a relatively weak state: for its brief period of independence it has already ousted two presidents, experienced two revolutions, survived two interethnic conflicts and yet remained intact.
This book explores this apparent paradox and argues that the schism between domestic and international dimensions of state and regime security is key to understanding the nature of Kyrgyz politics. The book also shows how the foreign policy links to the Manas Air Base. Used by the US military, the base was essential for supplying their forces in Afghanistan, the economic arrangements necessary for sustaining the base, both inside and outside Kyrgyzstan, and the myriad of different actors involved in all this, combined to overshadow points of friction to ensure stable continuance of the status quo. Overall, the book shows how broad geopolitical forces and complex local factors together have a huge impact on the formation of Kyrgyz foreign policy.
About the Speaker
Kemel Toktomushev is a Research Fellow at the Institute of Public Policy and Administration of the University of Central Asia. Kemel earned his PhD in Politics from the University of Exeter and his MSc degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics. He has extensive work experience in both Western and Central Asian environments, and his primary research interests focus on regime security, virtual politics, and informal political economy of Central Asia. Kemel is the author of the forthcoming book ‘Kyrgyzstan – Regime Security and Foreign Policy’ (UK: Routledge).
Registration
To attend the event in person please register here.
To attend the online webinar please register here.
https://www.aku.edu/events/Pages/event- ... ign+Policy
Queen Elizabeth Scholars intern at the Aga Khan University in Uganda
"Queen Elizabeth Scholars intern abroad"
excerpts:
---
Khajeali and Capuno both spent the summer interning abroad as part of the prestigious Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship program (QES). Khajeali focused on maternal and neo-natal health during her internship at Aga Khan University in Uganda, while Capuno focused on improving the lives of those with disabilities in Ghana through urban planning and community development. Their experiences abroad as part of the QES program provided them with new opportunities they never would have imagined.
<snip>
Khajeali recently gave a presentation to students, faculty and staff with fellow QES intern Zeeyaan Somani about their experience during their nursing internship in Uganda. Their supervisor and mentor Shahirose Premji, associate professor, Faculty of Nursing, introduced the students, spoke on the importance of the QES program, and acknowledged the support of Graham McCaffrey, associate dean, Faculty of Nursing. Janaka Ruwanpura, vice-provost (international), was also in attendance to welcome the students and congratulate them on a successful completion of the program.
<snip>
Somani and Khajeali discussed their work in Uganda and what they learned while there. They both noted how inspired they were by the Ugandan nurses’ ability to give compassionate care despite the obstacles they faced with lack of supplies and resources.
“Aga Khan University has a long history of providing international interns an exceptional experience pivotal to their learning about global health and the social determinants of health,” says Premji. “The community engagement focus enables students to personally experience the potential impact they can have in making a difference in the lives of people from a local to global perspective.”
https://twitter.com/aswalli/status/806276993184632832
"Queen Elizabeth Scholars intern abroad"
excerpts:
---
Khajeali and Capuno both spent the summer interning abroad as part of the prestigious Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship program (QES). Khajeali focused on maternal and neo-natal health during her internship at Aga Khan University in Uganda, while Capuno focused on improving the lives of those with disabilities in Ghana through urban planning and community development. Their experiences abroad as part of the QES program provided them with new opportunities they never would have imagined.
<snip>
Khajeali recently gave a presentation to students, faculty and staff with fellow QES intern Zeeyaan Somani about their experience during their nursing internship in Uganda. Their supervisor and mentor Shahirose Premji, associate professor, Faculty of Nursing, introduced the students, spoke on the importance of the QES program, and acknowledged the support of Graham McCaffrey, associate dean, Faculty of Nursing. Janaka Ruwanpura, vice-provost (international), was also in attendance to welcome the students and congratulate them on a successful completion of the program.
<snip>
Somani and Khajeali discussed their work in Uganda and what they learned while there. They both noted how inspired they were by the Ugandan nurses’ ability to give compassionate care despite the obstacles they faced with lack of supplies and resources.
“Aga Khan University has a long history of providing international interns an exceptional experience pivotal to their learning about global health and the social determinants of health,” says Premji. “The community engagement focus enables students to personally experience the potential impact they can have in making a difference in the lives of people from a local to global perspective.”
https://twitter.com/aswalli/status/806276993184632832
PGME graduates ready to address threat of non-communicable diseases
An estimated 80 million Pakistanis suffer from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) today and another 8 million are forecast to be affected by 2025. A lack of exercise, a poor diet and bad habits such as consuming tobacco are some of the main factors to blame for these life-style related diseases in Pakistani society.
Treating these NCDs which include diabetes, cardiovascular illnesses, breathing disorders and common mental diseases, requires medical specialists with extensive practical experience.
These specialists are often the product of postgraduate medical education (PGME) programmes consisting of a one-year internship followed by up to 7 years of intensive study and practice in a specific area of medicine through residency followed by fellowship medical training.
Today, 186 specialists received their certificates in areas relevant to the treatment of NCDs such as cardiac surgery; diabetes, endocrinology and metabolism; pulmonary medicine; medical oncology and psychiatry at AKU’s 21st PGME graduation ceremony.
Speaking about how advanced education can help treat NCDs Dr Muneer Amanullah, PGME Interim Associate Dean and Associate Professor at AKU, explained that experiencing and studying all stages of a disease gives PGME graduates the judgment and confidence to treat complex NCDs.
More...
https://www.aku.edu/news/Pages/News_Det ... EWS-000608
An estimated 80 million Pakistanis suffer from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) today and another 8 million are forecast to be affected by 2025. A lack of exercise, a poor diet and bad habits such as consuming tobacco are some of the main factors to blame for these life-style related diseases in Pakistani society.
Treating these NCDs which include diabetes, cardiovascular illnesses, breathing disorders and common mental diseases, requires medical specialists with extensive practical experience.
These specialists are often the product of postgraduate medical education (PGME) programmes consisting of a one-year internship followed by up to 7 years of intensive study and practice in a specific area of medicine through residency followed by fellowship medical training.
Today, 186 specialists received their certificates in areas relevant to the treatment of NCDs such as cardiac surgery; diabetes, endocrinology and metabolism; pulmonary medicine; medical oncology and psychiatry at AKU’s 21st PGME graduation ceremony.
Speaking about how advanced education can help treat NCDs Dr Muneer Amanullah, PGME Interim Associate Dean and Associate Professor at AKU, explained that experiencing and studying all stages of a disease gives PGME graduates the judgment and confidence to treat complex NCDs.
More...
https://www.aku.edu/news/Pages/News_Det ... EWS-000608
Insights into Muslim cultures
VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb_9Ihpg3k4
Published on Jan 4, 2017
Dr Sarah Savant, Associate Professor at AKU's Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations is using the latest technology to uncover unique patterns in ancient texts.
Welcome to KITAB
KITAB provides a digital tool-box and a forum for discussions about Arabic texts. We wish to empower users to explore Arabic texts in completely new ways and to expand the frontiers of knowledge about one of the world’s largest and most complex textual traditions.
We are leading with a tool that detects how authors copied previous works. Arabic authors frequently made use of past works, cutting them into pieces and reconstituting them to address their own outlooks and concerns. Now you can discover relationships between these texts and also the profoundly intertextual circulatory systems in which they sit.
The technology that powers KITAB is at the cutting edge of computer science and we are deeply indebted to our partners. Our first algorithm has been developed by David Smith of Northeastern University. We are also working with Marco Büchler of the Göttingen Centre for Digital Humanities. The Perseus Digital Library, led by Gregory Crane, has been a major collaborator from the start on many aspects of the project.
To use our corpus and search tools, please get in touch with us via our contact form. At present, we are a closed community of users. We are applying for funding that would allow us to bring our data and sources into the public domain.
Thank you for your interest in KITAB!.
Kind regards,
Sarah Bowen Savant
Principal Investigator
Knowledge, Information Technology, and the Arabic Book
http://kitab-project.org/kitab/About.jsp
VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb_9Ihpg3k4
Published on Jan 4, 2017
Dr Sarah Savant, Associate Professor at AKU's Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations is using the latest technology to uncover unique patterns in ancient texts.
Welcome to KITAB
KITAB provides a digital tool-box and a forum for discussions about Arabic texts. We wish to empower users to explore Arabic texts in completely new ways and to expand the frontiers of knowledge about one of the world’s largest and most complex textual traditions.
We are leading with a tool that detects how authors copied previous works. Arabic authors frequently made use of past works, cutting them into pieces and reconstituting them to address their own outlooks and concerns. Now you can discover relationships between these texts and also the profoundly intertextual circulatory systems in which they sit.
The technology that powers KITAB is at the cutting edge of computer science and we are deeply indebted to our partners. Our first algorithm has been developed by David Smith of Northeastern University. We are also working with Marco Büchler of the Göttingen Centre for Digital Humanities. The Perseus Digital Library, led by Gregory Crane, has been a major collaborator from the start on many aspects of the project.
To use our corpus and search tools, please get in touch with us via our contact form. At present, we are a closed community of users. We are applying for funding that would allow us to bring our data and sources into the public domain.
Thank you for your interest in KITAB!.
Kind regards,
Sarah Bowen Savant
Principal Investigator
Knowledge, Information Technology, and the Arabic Book
http://kitab-project.org/kitab/About.jsp
Last edited by kmaherali on Tue Jan 17, 2017 6:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Saving children from preventable heart diseases
VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s417RhhuceU
Published on Jan 5, 2017
The Aga Khan University is raising funds for children with Congenital Heart Disease through its Annual Golf Tournament held in Karachi. Dr Babar Hasan explains why AKU is a key player in this effort.
VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s417RhhuceU
Published on Jan 5, 2017
The Aga Khan University is raising funds for children with Congenital Heart Disease through its Annual Golf Tournament held in Karachi. Dr Babar Hasan explains why AKU is a key player in this effort.
Kidney support group promotes benefits of early transplants
Kidney patients now have a forum to share experiences for better living after the Aga Khan University Hospital formed a kidney transplant support group.
Aga Khan University Hospital Nephology Section head, Dr Ahmed Twahir, said the forum, to be held annually, was aimed at improving understanding of kidney ailments as well as the importance of embracing local kidney transplants.
He said kidney transplant was a more effective and cost effective treatment than dialysis that saw patients attend dialysis clinics throughout their lives.
The support group forum to be held annually will bring together kidney patients undergoing dialysis, patients awaiting transplant, kidney donors and recipients to share their experience and encourage each other.
More...
http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Kidn ... index.html
Kidney patients now have a forum to share experiences for better living after the Aga Khan University Hospital formed a kidney transplant support group.
Aga Khan University Hospital Nephology Section head, Dr Ahmed Twahir, said the forum, to be held annually, was aimed at improving understanding of kidney ailments as well as the importance of embracing local kidney transplants.
He said kidney transplant was a more effective and cost effective treatment than dialysis that saw patients attend dialysis clinics throughout their lives.
The support group forum to be held annually will bring together kidney patients undergoing dialysis, patients awaiting transplant, kidney donors and recipients to share their experience and encourage each other.
More...
http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Kidn ... index.html
AKU's golf tournament set to fund additional 100 life-saving paediatric cardiac procedures
One hundred members of civil society came together over a game of golf to support the Aga Khan University (AKU)’s efforts in Mending Kids’ Hearts on Sunday.
About 60,000 children – one in every 100 infants born in Pakistan every year – are born with cardiovascular disease resulting in the deaths of many babies without any diagnosis.
The internationally reported incidence of congenital heart disease (CHD) is 8 to 10 per 1,000 live births. In Pakistan, since most births occur in villages, in remote areas or in ill-equipped basic health units, the true prevalence of CHD at birth is unknown as accurate data is not available. Lack of awareness and inadequate diagnostic and treatment facilities compound the problem as many Pakistani CHD patients do not survive beyond their first few years.
“Pakistan and three other countries India, China and Indonesia contribute to about 50 per cent of children with heart diseases in the world,” said Dr Muneer Amanullah, an associate professor of cardiothoracic surgery and interim associate dean of Postgraduate Medical Education at AKU. “About 15,000 to 20,000 of infants have critical problems and require a surgery or intervention in the first year of life.”
More...
https://www.aku.edu/news/Pages/News_Det ... EWS-001118
One hundred members of civil society came together over a game of golf to support the Aga Khan University (AKU)’s efforts in Mending Kids’ Hearts on Sunday.
About 60,000 children – one in every 100 infants born in Pakistan every year – are born with cardiovascular disease resulting in the deaths of many babies without any diagnosis.
The internationally reported incidence of congenital heart disease (CHD) is 8 to 10 per 1,000 live births. In Pakistan, since most births occur in villages, in remote areas or in ill-equipped basic health units, the true prevalence of CHD at birth is unknown as accurate data is not available. Lack of awareness and inadequate diagnostic and treatment facilities compound the problem as many Pakistani CHD patients do not survive beyond their first few years.
“Pakistan and three other countries India, China and Indonesia contribute to about 50 per cent of children with heart diseases in the world,” said Dr Muneer Amanullah, an associate professor of cardiothoracic surgery and interim associate dean of Postgraduate Medical Education at AKU. “About 15,000 to 20,000 of infants have critical problems and require a surgery or intervention in the first year of life.”
More...
https://www.aku.edu/news/Pages/News_Det ... EWS-001118
Virtual Fair
by Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations
Description
Are you interested in studying at London’s Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (ISMC)?
Join ISMC students, staff and academics online for the ISMC’s Virtual Fair.
Aga Khan University’s Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations seeks to illuminate the historical and contemporary aspects of Muslim societies and to create a platform for fresh thinking about their futures, through world-class teaching and research.
Learn about the ISMC’s interdisciplinary two-year master’s degree, find out about admissions, quiz current students on academic life, and have the opportunity to ask your own questions.
This event is free and exclusively online. Book now to secure your place.
Prior to the event you will receive registration details for the online platform. Please log in when you receive these to ensure that all is well and you can access the event on the day easily.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/virtual- ... 1413150579
by Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations
Description
Are you interested in studying at London’s Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (ISMC)?
Join ISMC students, staff and academics online for the ISMC’s Virtual Fair.
Aga Khan University’s Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations seeks to illuminate the historical and contemporary aspects of Muslim societies and to create a platform for fresh thinking about their futures, through world-class teaching and research.
Learn about the ISMC’s interdisciplinary two-year master’s degree, find out about admissions, quiz current students on academic life, and have the opportunity to ask your own questions.
This event is free and exclusively online. Book now to secure your place.
Prior to the event you will receive registration details for the online platform. Please log in when you receive these to ensure that all is well and you can access the event on the day easily.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/virtual- ... 1413150579
Aga Khan hospital holds open day in campaign against cancer
The Aga Khan University Hospital held a cancer awareness open day to mark the World Cancer Day on Saturday.
Themed ‘We can, I can’, the open day provided a platform for tens of cancer patients, survivors and people passionate about fighting the terminal illness to interact and deliberate on how to reduce the disease burden as well as the toll it takes on households and Kenya’s economy.
Cancer specialists consisting of oncologists, surgeons, palliative medicine experts, oncology nurses and counselling psychologists were available for one-on-one consultations and respond to participant queries.
The forum, which was open to the public offered free palliative care and pain management training classes for healthcare and paramedical providers to equip them with skills necessary to take care of patients suffering from cancer and other chronic diseases.
The Aga Khan University Hospital has also organised five training sessions late this month, April, May, June and September. The Ministry of Health, Nairobi County and the Kenya Cancer Organisations Network (KENCO) also hosted the national event outside the National Archives on Moi Avenue in Nairobi.
“We want Kenyans to know that cancer is not just about screening,” said KENCO chairman David Makumi.
“There are other preventive measures that we want to emphasise through simple health messages on lifestyle and physical activity.”
Cancer, among other lifestyle illnesses, remains among top three killer non-communicable diseases in Kenya that include pneumonia and malaria.
Data from the 2016 Economic Survey show that reported deaths from cancer rose from 11,527 in 2011 to 14,175 in 2014 and 15,714 in 2015, signalling a public health crisis at a time when Kenya is reeling from shortage of specialised doctors to handle chronic diseases.
Recently a group of African researchers found a possible cure of lung and stomach cancer in a Kenyan evergreen shrub that produces a compound with therapeutic properties, giving hope to patients suffering from the disease.
The international team comprising Kenyan and Cameroonian scientists said the compounds called quinones, produced by some Kenyan plants, could aid in the fight against the cancer known as malignant pleural mesothelioma.
The new research findings show that among 14 different naturally-occurring quinones, one compound — rapanone — which was isolated from an evergreen shrub, was effective at triggering death of malignant mesothelioma cells.
“The tested natural products...are potential cytotoxic compounds that deserve more investigations towards developing novel antiproliferative drugs against human carcinoma,” said the study’s first author Victor Kuete, a biochemist at the Universite de Dschang.
http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Aga- ... 92-bjqhtn/
The Aga Khan University Hospital held a cancer awareness open day to mark the World Cancer Day on Saturday.
Themed ‘We can, I can’, the open day provided a platform for tens of cancer patients, survivors and people passionate about fighting the terminal illness to interact and deliberate on how to reduce the disease burden as well as the toll it takes on households and Kenya’s economy.
Cancer specialists consisting of oncologists, surgeons, palliative medicine experts, oncology nurses and counselling psychologists were available for one-on-one consultations and respond to participant queries.
The forum, which was open to the public offered free palliative care and pain management training classes for healthcare and paramedical providers to equip them with skills necessary to take care of patients suffering from cancer and other chronic diseases.
The Aga Khan University Hospital has also organised five training sessions late this month, April, May, June and September. The Ministry of Health, Nairobi County and the Kenya Cancer Organisations Network (KENCO) also hosted the national event outside the National Archives on Moi Avenue in Nairobi.
“We want Kenyans to know that cancer is not just about screening,” said KENCO chairman David Makumi.
“There are other preventive measures that we want to emphasise through simple health messages on lifestyle and physical activity.”
Cancer, among other lifestyle illnesses, remains among top three killer non-communicable diseases in Kenya that include pneumonia and malaria.
Data from the 2016 Economic Survey show that reported deaths from cancer rose from 11,527 in 2011 to 14,175 in 2014 and 15,714 in 2015, signalling a public health crisis at a time when Kenya is reeling from shortage of specialised doctors to handle chronic diseases.
Recently a group of African researchers found a possible cure of lung and stomach cancer in a Kenyan evergreen shrub that produces a compound with therapeutic properties, giving hope to patients suffering from the disease.
The international team comprising Kenyan and Cameroonian scientists said the compounds called quinones, produced by some Kenyan plants, could aid in the fight against the cancer known as malignant pleural mesothelioma.
The new research findings show that among 14 different naturally-occurring quinones, one compound — rapanone — which was isolated from an evergreen shrub, was effective at triggering death of malignant mesothelioma cells.
“The tested natural products...are potential cytotoxic compounds that deserve more investigations towards developing novel antiproliferative drugs against human carcinoma,” said the study’s first author Victor Kuete, a biochemist at the Universite de Dschang.
http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Aga- ... 92-bjqhtn/
Transforming Leadership for 21st Century Africa
Nairobi, Kenya, 7 February 2017 - The Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communications (AKU GSMC) is set to host a pioneering suite of courses designed to transform leadership in Africa.
Launching in November 2017, Transforming Leadership for 21st Century Africa brings together two world class courses designed to equip executives with the skills, mindset and communication expertise to better lead their organization – and Africa itself – in our increasingly complex and rapidly changing world.
Speaking at the signing of an historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between AKU GSMC, the Aga Khan Foundation and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Executive Education (HKS Executive Education), in Cambridge, Massachusetts on Monday 6 February 2017, AKU GSMC Founding Dean Michael Meyer announced:
“We are proud to bring to Nairobi an extraordinary opportunity for African executives to sharpen two of the most vital skills needed to better lead their organizations – and Africa itself – in our increasingly complex and rapidly changing world.”
http://www.akdn.org/press-release/trans ... ury-africa
*******
The ability to change society lies within you, says Chief Guest Lila Mkila to Aga Khan University Graduands
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 8 February 2017 - Graduands at the Aga Khan University’s 12th convocation ceremony in Dar es Salaam were urged to make the best of their education by rising to the challenge of improving people’s quality of life.
In his speech, Chief Guest Lila Mkila, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Tanzania, told graduates to celebrate today but to remember how they can use the knowledge and skills gained through higher education to contribute to Tanzania and Africa’s future prosperity.
Mr. Mkila pointed out that the importance of higher education could hardly be overstated and went on to talk about the experience of his colleague, Dr. Benno Ndulu, Governor of the Bank of Tanzania, who authored a report with World Bank colleagues on “The Challenges of African Growth”. The report pointed out that there were four areas where investment was critical to accelerating economic growth and improving people’s well-being, and one of them was innovation, and within that area, higher education. In essence, Mr. Mkila said: “The more educated and skilled a person, the more productive and innovative they tend to be, and hence the greater their contribution to economic growth.”
“Yet we still face a dilemma: if we don’t have enough people to act on the basis of that knowledge, or to use that technology, very little will change. As Dr. Ndulu’s report stated: ‘Like a big book in the sky, technological knowledge and inventions are a global public good. But one can only use them if one can reach the book, turn the pages and read from it’” he added.”
AKU President Firoz Rasul in his welcome address to the graduands encouraged graduates to remember how their education has equipped them with the skills to tackle challenges around them. “As humans we naturally seek a higher purpose. We seek a great task or calling – a challenge that brings meaning to our lives, and that leaves a mark on the lives of others.”
Mr. Rasul urged graduates to never be overawed by challenges around them. He used the example of AKU’s work with public sector nursing bodies and Johnson and Johnson to highlight the importance of partnerships with international institutions and public-sector organizations to widen and deepen the impact of one’s own initiatives.
More...
http://www.akdn.org/press-release/abili ... university
Nairobi, Kenya, 7 February 2017 - The Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communications (AKU GSMC) is set to host a pioneering suite of courses designed to transform leadership in Africa.
Launching in November 2017, Transforming Leadership for 21st Century Africa brings together two world class courses designed to equip executives with the skills, mindset and communication expertise to better lead their organization – and Africa itself – in our increasingly complex and rapidly changing world.
Speaking at the signing of an historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between AKU GSMC, the Aga Khan Foundation and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Executive Education (HKS Executive Education), in Cambridge, Massachusetts on Monday 6 February 2017, AKU GSMC Founding Dean Michael Meyer announced:
“We are proud to bring to Nairobi an extraordinary opportunity for African executives to sharpen two of the most vital skills needed to better lead their organizations – and Africa itself – in our increasingly complex and rapidly changing world.”
http://www.akdn.org/press-release/trans ... ury-africa
*******
The ability to change society lies within you, says Chief Guest Lila Mkila to Aga Khan University Graduands
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 8 February 2017 - Graduands at the Aga Khan University’s 12th convocation ceremony in Dar es Salaam were urged to make the best of their education by rising to the challenge of improving people’s quality of life.
In his speech, Chief Guest Lila Mkila, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Tanzania, told graduates to celebrate today but to remember how they can use the knowledge and skills gained through higher education to contribute to Tanzania and Africa’s future prosperity.
Mr. Mkila pointed out that the importance of higher education could hardly be overstated and went on to talk about the experience of his colleague, Dr. Benno Ndulu, Governor of the Bank of Tanzania, who authored a report with World Bank colleagues on “The Challenges of African Growth”. The report pointed out that there were four areas where investment was critical to accelerating economic growth and improving people’s well-being, and one of them was innovation, and within that area, higher education. In essence, Mr. Mkila said: “The more educated and skilled a person, the more productive and innovative they tend to be, and hence the greater their contribution to economic growth.”
“Yet we still face a dilemma: if we don’t have enough people to act on the basis of that knowledge, or to use that technology, very little will change. As Dr. Ndulu’s report stated: ‘Like a big book in the sky, technological knowledge and inventions are a global public good. But one can only use them if one can reach the book, turn the pages and read from it’” he added.”
AKU President Firoz Rasul in his welcome address to the graduands encouraged graduates to remember how their education has equipped them with the skills to tackle challenges around them. “As humans we naturally seek a higher purpose. We seek a great task or calling – a challenge that brings meaning to our lives, and that leaves a mark on the lives of others.”
Mr. Rasul urged graduates to never be overawed by challenges around them. He used the example of AKU’s work with public sector nursing bodies and Johnson and Johnson to highlight the importance of partnerships with international institutions and public-sector organizations to widen and deepen the impact of one’s own initiatives.
More...
http://www.akdn.org/press-release/abili ... university
‘In terms of skills, Pakistan lags behind Sri Lanka and Bangladesh’s garment industries’
In terms of skill base in the garment industry Pakistan lags behind Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Firoz Rasul, the president of the Aga Khan University, said on Saturday.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the 17th convocation of the Textile Institute of Pakistan held at its main campus near Eastern Zone, Bin Qasim (Ghakkar Phatak).
Firoz said he admired TIP’s work, significance and its impact. He added that textile was one of the most important sectors of the country and considered the backbone of Pakistan’s economy.
More...
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/182612 ... industries
*******
Hack Paeds 2017
CCIT
February 11-13, 2017
Karachi
Aga Khan University
After the success of CCIT HACK 2016 (AKU Hackathon v1.0) focusing on Emergency Medicine, we bring you our 2nd edition. At the end of the 2.5 day event, participants are expected to come up with sustainable innovations that address problems in the field of Paediatrics. And to do so, AKU has teamed up with Hacking Pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital, USA.
Goal
To assist in designing the next generation Children’s Hospital which does not feel like a hospital, is state-of-the-art and cost-effective.
Primary objectives
1.To generate designs for a ‘medical home’ for our children - a happy place where even the healthy feel at home and not as if they are within a hospital. And where the sick, especially the chronically sick kids, are given a feeling of normality.
2.To allow out-of-the-box (‘crazy’) ideas and innovations for the envisioned hospital (‘tower’).
3.To generate innovations for a 21st century Children’s Hospital which can function through smart phone and app-based technology (hi-tech but low cost).
4.To generate processes that will make the Children’s Hospital accessible to even the poor.
https://www.aku.edu/events/Pages/event- ... Paeds+2017
In terms of skill base in the garment industry Pakistan lags behind Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Firoz Rasul, the president of the Aga Khan University, said on Saturday.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the 17th convocation of the Textile Institute of Pakistan held at its main campus near Eastern Zone, Bin Qasim (Ghakkar Phatak).
Firoz said he admired TIP’s work, significance and its impact. He added that textile was one of the most important sectors of the country and considered the backbone of Pakistan’s economy.
More...
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/182612 ... industries
*******
Hack Paeds 2017
CCIT
February 11-13, 2017
Karachi
Aga Khan University
After the success of CCIT HACK 2016 (AKU Hackathon v1.0) focusing on Emergency Medicine, we bring you our 2nd edition. At the end of the 2.5 day event, participants are expected to come up with sustainable innovations that address problems in the field of Paediatrics. And to do so, AKU has teamed up with Hacking Pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital, USA.
Goal
To assist in designing the next generation Children’s Hospital which does not feel like a hospital, is state-of-the-art and cost-effective.
Primary objectives
1.To generate designs for a ‘medical home’ for our children - a happy place where even the healthy feel at home and not as if they are within a hospital. And where the sick, especially the chronically sick kids, are given a feeling of normality.
2.To allow out-of-the-box (‘crazy’) ideas and innovations for the envisioned hospital (‘tower’).
3.To generate innovations for a 21st century Children’s Hospital which can function through smart phone and app-based technology (hi-tech but low cost).
4.To generate processes that will make the Children’s Hospital accessible to even the poor.
https://www.aku.edu/events/Pages/event- ... Paeds+2017
Grooming the young doctors into becoming specialists
http://www.thecitizen.co.tz/magazine/Gr ... index.html
http://www.thecitizen.co.tz/magazine/Gr ... index.html
Aga Khan University graduands urged to utilise knowledge to transform society
Nairobi, Kenya, 15 February 2017 - Graduands at the Aga Khan University’s convocation ceremony in Nairobi were encouraged to use their skills and knowledge to pursue ambitious, far-reaching initiatives that would impact as many lives as possible.
In her speech, Chief Guest Professor Collette Suda, Principal Secretary, State Department for University Education, Ministry of Education, explained that making an extraordinary impact requires one to go beyond one’s professional obligations and day-to-day commitments by tackling the root causes of problems.
“No doubt many of you are already thinking about the next step in your education, whether that involves formal studies or the kind of education that one receives by taking on a new and more challenging position within one’s profession. In fact, it may be that the best measure of any academic programme is whether it leaves you hungry to learn more and to increase your capacity to bring about a change in your life, community, country and the world.”
More...
http://www.akdn.org/press-release/aga-k ... rm-society
********
Mannequin Challenge
Published on Feb 13, 2017
Students from AKU’s Medical College and School of Nursing and Midwifery participate in the mannequin challenge at AKU’s Centre for Innovation in Medical Education, an educational facility designed to mimic hospital environment.
VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vkJr23p9Xg
Nairobi, Kenya, 15 February 2017 - Graduands at the Aga Khan University’s convocation ceremony in Nairobi were encouraged to use their skills and knowledge to pursue ambitious, far-reaching initiatives that would impact as many lives as possible.
In her speech, Chief Guest Professor Collette Suda, Principal Secretary, State Department for University Education, Ministry of Education, explained that making an extraordinary impact requires one to go beyond one’s professional obligations and day-to-day commitments by tackling the root causes of problems.
“No doubt many of you are already thinking about the next step in your education, whether that involves formal studies or the kind of education that one receives by taking on a new and more challenging position within one’s profession. In fact, it may be that the best measure of any academic programme is whether it leaves you hungry to learn more and to increase your capacity to bring about a change in your life, community, country and the world.”
More...
http://www.akdn.org/press-release/aga-k ... rm-society
********
Mannequin Challenge
Published on Feb 13, 2017
Students from AKU’s Medical College and School of Nursing and Midwifery participate in the mannequin challenge at AKU’s Centre for Innovation in Medical Education, an educational facility designed to mimic hospital environment.
VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vkJr23p9Xg
AKUH’s laboratories get international accreditation
https://www.geo.tv/latest/132776-AKUHs- ... reditation
AKUH’s laboratories get international accreditation
Khawar Khan
February 28, 2017
Health
KARACHI: The clinical laboratories of Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) have become the first in country to be accredited by College of American Pathologists (CAP).
This was announced by AKUH Chief Executive Officer Hans Kedzierski in a press conference held at hospital’s premises on Tuesday.
Laboratory testing is an essential part of a quality healthcare service, said Kedzierski. “Most of the decisions regarding a patient’s diagnosis and treatment are usually based on laboratory test results.”
The CAP’s Laboratory Accreditation Programme is an extensive and rigorous exercise which assures the quality of the laboratories. A team of nine CAP inspectors has visited Pakistan last year to audit quality records, staff qualifications, tests validation, equipment, facilities, safety programmes and overall management. In order to the get the certificate, AKUH performed 3,000 different mandatory procedures.
“I would like to congratulate AKUH for being the first CAP accredited laboratory in Pakistan,” said CAP President Richard C. Friedberg.
“We know that the journey has been the long one, but we are sure and certain that the benefits of our accreditation and your continual desire to improve your services, your performance, your accuracy, your reliability, and your precision will benefit the patients in Pakistan,” he added.
Shagufta Hassan, Chief Operating Officer of Clinical Laboratories and Outreach Services, remarked that CAP accreditation is an attestation that AKUH Clinical Laboratories have achieved the gold standard in laboratory medicine.
“Since it was formed, AKUH has aimed to achieve international standards in our teaching, research, and care for patients,” said Aga Khan University President Firoz Rasul. “Validation of our practices through international accreditation gives patients the assurance that standards match the best in the world.”
For the convenience of patients, the laboratories also offer online reports, SMS alerts and detailed multi-column reports.
AKUH laboratories are the largest laboratory network in Pakistan. Besides the main clinical laboratory in Karachi, there are 250 regional laboratories, medical centres and specimen collection units in over 100 cities across the country.
AKUH’s laboratories get international accreditation
Khawar Khan
February 28, 2017
Health
KARACHI: The clinical laboratories of Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) have become the first in country to be accredited by College of American Pathologists (CAP).
This was announced by AKUH Chief Executive Officer Hans Kedzierski in a press conference held at hospital’s premises on Tuesday.
Laboratory testing is an essential part of a quality healthcare service, said Kedzierski. “Most of the decisions regarding a patient’s diagnosis and treatment are usually based on laboratory test results.”
The CAP’s Laboratory Accreditation Programme is an extensive and rigorous exercise which assures the quality of the laboratories. A team of nine CAP inspectors has visited Pakistan last year to audit quality records, staff qualifications, tests validation, equipment, facilities, safety programmes and overall management. In order to the get the certificate, AKUH performed 3,000 different mandatory procedures.
“I would like to congratulate AKUH for being the first CAP accredited laboratory in Pakistan,” said CAP President Richard C. Friedberg.
“We know that the journey has been the long one, but we are sure and certain that the benefits of our accreditation and your continual desire to improve your services, your performance, your accuracy, your reliability, and your precision will benefit the patients in Pakistan,” he added.
Shagufta Hassan, Chief Operating Officer of Clinical Laboratories and Outreach Services, remarked that CAP accreditation is an attestation that AKUH Clinical Laboratories have achieved the gold standard in laboratory medicine.
“Since it was formed, AKUH has aimed to achieve international standards in our teaching, research, and care for patients,” said Aga Khan University President Firoz Rasul. “Validation of our practices through international accreditation gives patients the assurance that standards match the best in the world.”
For the convenience of patients, the laboratories also offer online reports, SMS alerts and detailed multi-column reports.
AKUH laboratories are the largest laboratory network in Pakistan. Besides the main clinical laboratory in Karachi, there are 250 regional laboratories, medical centres and specimen collection units in over 100 cities across the country.
Mother-child health: AKU opens research and training centre in Matiari
HYDERABAD:
The Aga Khan University (AKU) inaugurated a research and training centre in Matiari district on Friday.
The centre, equipped with a laboratory, training spaces, data centres and office space, will conduct research and capacity buildings programmes on mother and child healthcare.
The centre has been constructed at an over 11,000 square-feet plot at a cost of Rs68.4 million, funded by United Energy Pakistan. According to Professor Zulfiqar Bhutta, founding director of AKU’s Centre for Excellence in Women and Child Health, “The centre will become the hub of the university’s research and training into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of some of today’s major mother and child healthcare problems in the country.” Matiari, with a population of around 500,000 scattered over 1,400 villages and three semi-urban underdeveloped talukas, is around 30 kilometres away from Hyderabad. According to the AKU, more than half of the total births in the district take place at home, attended by unskilled birth attendants.
More...
https://tribune.com.pk/story/1077307/mo ... n-matiari/
HYDERABAD:
The Aga Khan University (AKU) inaugurated a research and training centre in Matiari district on Friday.
The centre, equipped with a laboratory, training spaces, data centres and office space, will conduct research and capacity buildings programmes on mother and child healthcare.
The centre has been constructed at an over 11,000 square-feet plot at a cost of Rs68.4 million, funded by United Energy Pakistan. According to Professor Zulfiqar Bhutta, founding director of AKU’s Centre for Excellence in Women and Child Health, “The centre will become the hub of the university’s research and training into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of some of today’s major mother and child healthcare problems in the country.” Matiari, with a population of around 500,000 scattered over 1,400 villages and three semi-urban underdeveloped talukas, is around 30 kilometres away from Hyderabad. According to the AKU, more than half of the total births in the district take place at home, attended by unskilled birth attendants.
More...
https://tribune.com.pk/story/1077307/mo ... n-matiari/
‘Standard Kenya’ partners with Aga Khan to train journalists on modern skills
The Standard Group has partnered with Aga Khan University to train journalists in a one-year programme targeting young university graduates.
The programme has been ongoing with the first batch of trainees having gone through the training at the Standard Media Academy between November 2014 to July 2015. The trainees will have six month of classroom training, then spend the rest of the time working on Standard Group platforms.
Standard Group Chief Executive Officer Sam Shollei said they will get mentorship from the company’s journalists and other experts.
“This training started in 2015, this is the second group. We’ll equip them with skills to make them the voice of society…
https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article ... ern-skills
The Standard Group has partnered with Aga Khan University to train journalists in a one-year programme targeting young university graduates.
The programme has been ongoing with the first batch of trainees having gone through the training at the Standard Media Academy between November 2014 to July 2015. The trainees will have six month of classroom training, then spend the rest of the time working on Standard Group platforms.
Standard Group Chief Executive Officer Sam Shollei said they will get mentorship from the company’s journalists and other experts.
“This training started in 2015, this is the second group. We’ll equip them with skills to make them the voice of society…
https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article ... ern-skills
Dr Philip Wood - Historian
Aga Khan University
Published on Mar 3, 2017
Dr Philip Wood of the Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations shares his views on history and identity
VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b81L6WeS1JQ
Aga Khan University
Published on Mar 3, 2017
Dr Philip Wood of the Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations shares his views on history and identity
VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b81L6WeS1JQ
http://www.nation.co.ke/counties/mombas ... 0-h99wsqz/
Daily Nation
Aga Khan University improving healthcare in four counties
Wednesday March 15 2017
In Summary
AKU works with the Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi and Kisii governments.
Prof Temmerman said although AKU had the capacity to expand to other counties, it relies on donor support.
y LUCAS BARASA
More by this Author
The Aga Khan University (AKU) is working with four county governments to improve healthcare access to women and children.
The Aga Khan University Hospital director of Centre of Excellence Prof Marleen Temmerman and associate dean for Research, Prof William Macharia said the Canadian government is funding the four-year project at a cost of about Sh500 million.
Speaking to journalists before the launch of AKU Mombasa Research Office on Wednesday, Prof Temmerman said the funds will be used for project, evaluation, research and learning.
AKU works with the Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi and Kisii governments and is also involved in First Lady Margaret Kenyatta’s Beyond Zero campaign to give quality health care to expectant women.
MALNUTRITION
The project involves equipping and upgrading the county hospitals as well as providing quality healthcare services to new-born babies through treating infections and dealing with malnutrition.
At Mariakani hospital in Kilifi, AKU is assisting in upgrading the facility and is building a theatre at Kisii hospital.
Prof Macharia said they are working closely with county governments and that the launch of the research office marks a major achievement for the university at the coast.
He said the research office said will strengthen health administration and system in the region.
He said AKU is working with Kilifi, Kwale and Mombasa counties to boost health care access for women and children and that the work was going on well.
WOMEN
There is also a surveillance platform for households on a monthly basis.
Prof Temmerman said although AKU had the capacity to expand to other counties, it relies on donor support.
“The funds used for programmes are specific. The ultimate goal is to serve women population,” she said.
Representatives of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and the Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) and the county governments also attended the launch.
Prof Termmerman and Prof Macharia were happy that the doctors strike had ended saying it had adversely affected health services.
“But at the Aga Khan Hospital, the services were not disrupted,” Prof Macharia said.
Daily Nation
Aga Khan University improving healthcare in four counties
Wednesday March 15 2017
In Summary
AKU works with the Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi and Kisii governments.
Prof Temmerman said although AKU had the capacity to expand to other counties, it relies on donor support.
y LUCAS BARASA
More by this Author
The Aga Khan University (AKU) is working with four county governments to improve healthcare access to women and children.
The Aga Khan University Hospital director of Centre of Excellence Prof Marleen Temmerman and associate dean for Research, Prof William Macharia said the Canadian government is funding the four-year project at a cost of about Sh500 million.
Speaking to journalists before the launch of AKU Mombasa Research Office on Wednesday, Prof Temmerman said the funds will be used for project, evaluation, research and learning.
AKU works with the Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi and Kisii governments and is also involved in First Lady Margaret Kenyatta’s Beyond Zero campaign to give quality health care to expectant women.
MALNUTRITION
The project involves equipping and upgrading the county hospitals as well as providing quality healthcare services to new-born babies through treating infections and dealing with malnutrition.
At Mariakani hospital in Kilifi, AKU is assisting in upgrading the facility and is building a theatre at Kisii hospital.
Prof Macharia said they are working closely with county governments and that the launch of the research office marks a major achievement for the university at the coast.
He said the research office said will strengthen health administration and system in the region.
He said AKU is working with Kilifi, Kwale and Mombasa counties to boost health care access for women and children and that the work was going on well.
WOMEN
There is also a surveillance platform for households on a monthly basis.
Prof Temmerman said although AKU had the capacity to expand to other counties, it relies on donor support.
“The funds used for programmes are specific. The ultimate goal is to serve women population,” she said.
Representatives of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and the Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) and the county governments also attended the launch.
Prof Termmerman and Prof Macharia were happy that the doctors strike had ended saying it had adversely affected health services.
“But at the Aga Khan Hospital, the services were not disrupted,” Prof Macharia said.
Dastangoi: An evening of storytelling at the PBS Donor Appreciation Dinner held on February 23, 2017
VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1p6v8x9mHyk
Published on Mar 15, 2017
The Patients’ Behbud Society for Aga Khan University Hospital (PBS) is an independent, charitable society responsible for collecting and disbursing zakat. It was established in 2001, in order to help mustehiq patients access high quality medical treatment at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), its clinics and medical centres.
On February 23, 2017, PBS hosted a dinner at the Stadium Road Complex to recognise the donors and members of management who have made its journey successful. The highlight of the event was a mesmerising session of dastangoi or story telling by Fawad Khan, Nazrul Hassan and Syed Messam Naqvi.
For more information about PBS: http://pbs.akuh.org
VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1p6v8x9mHyk
Published on Mar 15, 2017
The Patients’ Behbud Society for Aga Khan University Hospital (PBS) is an independent, charitable society responsible for collecting and disbursing zakat. It was established in 2001, in order to help mustehiq patients access high quality medical treatment at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), its clinics and medical centres.
On February 23, 2017, PBS hosted a dinner at the Stadium Road Complex to recognise the donors and members of management who have made its journey successful. The highlight of the event was a mesmerising session of dastangoi or story telling by Fawad Khan, Nazrul Hassan and Syed Messam Naqvi.
For more information about PBS: http://pbs.akuh.org
Regional study explores triggers of violence against women and girls in Pakistan
Fragmented policies against domestic violence, patriarchal household dynamics and harmful perceptions about gender roles leave women in Pakistan at risk of aggressive behaviour from men close to them, according to a new regional study whose findings were discussed by human rights activists, lawyers and researchers at a two day seminar at Aga Khan University on Friday.
More...
https://www.aku.edu/news/pages/News_Det ... EWS-001168
Fragmented policies against domestic violence, patriarchal household dynamics and harmful perceptions about gender roles leave women in Pakistan at risk of aggressive behaviour from men close to them, according to a new regional study whose findings were discussed by human rights activists, lawyers and researchers at a two day seminar at Aga Khan University on Friday.
More...
https://www.aku.edu/news/pages/News_Det ... EWS-001168
The Humanities and Social Sciences Programme
Published on Mar 27, 2017
See what AKU students and faculty have to say about Humanities & Social Sciences programme offered as part of undergraduate medical education at Medical College in Pakistan
VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J87cR25m1c0[/b]
Published on Mar 27, 2017
See what AKU students and faculty have to say about Humanities & Social Sciences programme offered as part of undergraduate medical education at Medical College in Pakistan
VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J87cR25m1c0[/b]