Pakistani Doctor Featured as One of Time Magazine’s Most Influential Healthcare Figures
The nation celebrates a moment of pride as Pakistani physician Dr. Shahzad Baig secures a spot on Time magazine’s prestigious list of 100 global healthcare leaders, known as ‘TIME100 HEALTH.’ Dr. Baig, who serves as the national coordinator of the Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme, leads the country’s efforts against one of its most significant health challenges.
Before taking on his role in Pakistan, Dr. Baig played a pivotal part in the successful polio eradication campaign in Nigeria, which resulted in the country being declared polio-free in 2020. Time magazine forecasts that under his leadership, Pakistan will achieve a similar milestone soon. Jeffrey Kluger, Time magazine’s renowned editor at large known for his expertise in space, science, and climate coverage, authored Dr. Baig’s profile. Kluger highlighted the significant reduction in polio cases since Dr. Baig’s appointment, from 147 in 2019 to just six in 2023, with the goal of reaching zero cases by 2026.
Despite facing challenges such as extremist attacks on polio workers and anti-vaccination propaganda, Dr. Baig has led the initiative with unwavering determination. Kluger noted the government’s deployment of 400,000 vaccinators and 80,000 security personnel under Dr. Baig’s leadership, which resulted in the inoculation of over 90 million children in a single year, with millions more to be vaccinated in an upcoming campaign.
The Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme expressed its pride in Dr. Baig’s recognition, emphasizing his relentless dedication to the mission of eradicating polio from Pakistan.
