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Conferences & Publications

Conferences

  • The Aga Khan University Digital Health Workshop, Turkey

AKDN dHRC hosted a three-day workshop on Digital Health Innovations in Istanbul, Turkey in March 2023. With a focus on digital health innovations, the event brought together researchers, implementers and digital health champions from Afghanistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Kenya, Tanzania and Canada, as well as representatives from the World Health Organization, ministries of health along with healthcare professionals, government policymakers, and implementing bodies dedicated to advancing digital health.

The aims of the workshop were to exchange evidence-based knowledge, explore ongoing mHealth projects across the Aga Khan Development Network, and discuss innovative digital health solutions to pressing health challenges within these regions. Key discussions revolved around methodologies, lessons learned during implementation, and results from notable projects such as Foundations for Health and Empowerment (F4HE), Hayat, and the COVID-19 Innovation and Research Project (CIRP), all aimed at enhancing healthcare outcomes through digital advancements. Days 2 and 3 of the workshop delved deeper into country-specific challenges, proposed digital health interventions, and forward-thinking solutions. Overall, the workshop provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, promoting intercountry cooperation and innovation.

  • The Canadian Conference on Global Health 2023, Canada

Dr Saleem Sayani, Director, Technology Innovation Support Center, Aga Khan University, presented research findings of the "Use of Personal Protective Equipment Mobile Application among Healthcare Workers: A Cross-sectional Study in Lower Middle-Income Countries" at the Canadian Conference on Global Health (CCGH) 2023 in Ottawa. The study underscored the vital role that mobile applications play in protecting the well-being of frontline healthcare professionals.

The CCGH is an annual conference that brings together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and students from various disciplines and sectors to discuss pressing global health issues. The conference was held between October 16-18, 2023 in Ottawa, Canada.

  • 13th FMIC Annual International Scientific Conference & Quality Convention, Afghanistan

Saira Samnani, M&E Specialist, AKDN dHRC presented an abstract regarding the Elaj Asan app at the 13th FMIC Annual International Scientific Conference & Quality Convention held in November 2023. The abstract titled, "The Effectiveness of Elaj Asan, a Mobile Health Application, in Urban and Rural Regions of Pakistan: A mixed-method study," was selected under the conference theme of Public Health and Communicable Diseases. The presentation showcased the innovative approach of using technology to improve healthcare access and outcomes in both urban and rural settings.

  • Health Tech Summit 2023, Pakistan

Dr Saleem Sayani participated in a panel discussion at the Health Tech Summit 2023, held at the Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan. The session focused on how technology can be leveraged to help healthcare professionals improve preventive care and early diagnosis. The summit was the first-ever event designed to address everyday healthcare challenges and support innovation in the healthcare sector in Pakistan. It brought together a range of experts, including medical professionals, pharmaceutical representatives, insurance companies, and technology leaders, to discuss how to create a healthier future for all. The goal was to provide a platform where global best practices could be shared, while also considering how emerging technologies could be applied within the context of Pakistan and other lower-middle-income countries.

Contributions to Research

Evaluation of 3D printed swabs for respiratory sampling and testing for SARS-CoV-2 during the early pandemic period

Appropriate collection of respiratory samples is essential for accurate diagnostic testing of respiratory pathogens such as, SARS-CoV-2. Early in the pandemic,

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