The Research Department is a directorate to form a central hub for all research activities by the faculty of health sciences that participate in the policymaking, governance, oversight, and conduct of research processes across ZU. In this regard, there has been a phenomenal upgradation of the multidisciplinary high technology research laboratories, with a striking uplift in structured postgraduate teaching and training programmes. Clinical evidence-based research is promoted to investigate disease trends and risk factors, generating data for preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategic planning. The era of precision medicine and personalised therapy has emerged due to technological advances with insight into the molecular genetic mechanisms of diseases. Rooted in our commitment to excellence in education and research, we are at the forefront of the rapidly evolving field of molecular medicine, focusing on the investigation of diseases at the molecular level. By bridging the gap between basic science and clinical practice, we aim to produce a new generation of physician scientists who are equipped for the advancement of medical knowledge and the improvement of patient care pertaining to women and child health at AFWCC. Based on genetic and molecular profiling, the research would be focused on personalised treatment approaches for evidence-based solutions. Furthermore, we will provide training to healthcare professionals, researchers, and students and collaborate with other partner departments within the women and children centre, as well as external research institutions and organisations. 

We are planning to set up Cardiovascular risk assessment clinics for perimenopause and postmenopausal women. Epidemiological and Clinical research will be promoted through the Research Department with support in the planning and development of research proposals to generate data for public health support and control of diseases. It will accelerate the advancement of knowledge to favour the promotion of health, improvement of care, and quality of life for women and children.

The College of Public Health runs Masters in Public Health Programme in two streams and is extensively involved in research and primary  health intervention advocacy in areas of nutrition, maternal and child health, health policy and systems, governance in healthcare, and community mental health.

Our vision states that every mother and child should have access to primary health care services, such as safe delivery practices, prenatal care, and evidence-based treatments for sickness prevention and treatment. Under AFWCC, the College of Public Health intends to achieve multiple goals and benefits related to identifying healthcare gaps and planning to address them, training and deploying healthcare professionals, surveillance and monitoring to improve the health outcomes, collaboration and partnership with local organisations and stakeholders for the enhancement of AFWCC and providing health education. 

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology is headed by Prof. Dr. Rubina Hussain, renowned for her unwavering dedication and exemplary excellence in her field, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to advancing women’s health through both clinical and academic leadership. To pay tribute to the unwavering legacy, Dr. Aijaz Fatima Women and Children Clinics are established at all Ziauddin Hospitals. The journey began on January 1st, 2024, with the establishment of clinics with subsidised packages, key initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality.

One of the centre’s pivotal endeavours has been the Emergency Obstetrics and Child Care (EMNOC) master training workshops, conducted to equip both fourth-year medical students, primary and secondary healthcare professionals with essential skills in managing obstetric emergencies. The hundredth workshop, was conducted in May 2024 under the umbrella of AFWCC. All future Workshops will now be headed under the purview of AFWCC. 

The Centre is currently conducting hands-on EMOTIVE workshops in Karachi to train both doctors and paramedics to manage PPH. Six Workshops have already been conducted. Future plan is to use telemedicine services for training both primary and secondary healthcare providers in the Province of Sindh.

The Centre has established dedicated Lactation Management Clinics at the North Nazimabad and Clifton Centres under AFWCC to encourage breastfeeding and provide support system for mothers experiencing complications. Subsidised contraceptive services are available at Nazimabad and the Kemari Campus. These initiatives aim to enhance women’s access to essential healthcare services, particularly in underserved communities.

To honour the intellectual legacy of Dr. Aijaz Fatima numerous lectures, symposia and workshops have been organised with International speakers, fostering the exchange of knowledge and innovation in the field of women and child healthcare.

The Department of Paediatrics is well reputed for rendering quality clinical and academic services. We aim to advance these services under the umbrella of AFWCC by providing low-cost quality health care to the community and emphasising connectivity with remote areas across Sindh through the establishment of telehealth clinics.

Through its contribution to AFWCC, the Department of Paediatrics will endeavour to play a pivotal role in conducting research projects to identify and implement interventions addressing major child health issues in the community, such as malnutrition, diarrhoea, pneumonia, and other infectious illnesses. In pursuance of our commitment to provide quality education, we aim to train health professionals who would serve in remote areas across the province. The Department of Paediatrics will collaborate with the eight other disciplines included in the AFWCC to render clinical services, promote health education, and conduct research in the community.

The department of Family Medicine was established in the year 1995, hence Ziauddin University is one  of the pioneers in the field of Family Medicine in Pakistan. With multiple postgraduate training  programmes, we produce master trainers who could be leaders in primary care across the globe and with  undergraduate teaching, we aspire to inculcate a holistic and cost-effective care approach and produce  humane doctors. We serve community by running subsidised clinics, which are free standing facilities in  their neighbourhood, established with the idea of community university partnership. The Sikanderabad  community that comprised of around one lac population 10 years back, now has massively grown to 5  lacs. Community organisers collaborate with us in order to provide enhanced care. With a steadfast  commitment to the community to provide care to the families at one stop in a cost-effective manner,  Family Medicine is the cornerstone of strong, resilient healthcare system, fostering healthier and happier lives. We offer personalised care, preventive strategies, and compassionate support for every  member of the family. 

In the ever-changing landscape of healthcare, we’re the steadfast anchors, having familiar faces for the  family, family physicians stand as a beacon of support from prenatal care to postpartum support,  identifying the nutritional needs to giving mental health support and preventing chronic diseases hence optimising the health outcomes for women and children. Under AFWCC, we promise to provide care,  trust, and confidence to women and children. We’re not just healthcare providers; we’re the guardians  of well-being, dedicated to nurturing women and children with the boundless love and unwavering  expertise they deserve. Under the umbrella of AFWCC, we aspire to empower communities through  health enlightenment! Our awareness camps fuel knowledge, our care nurtures well-being, and our  research ignites innovation, all for a healthier, brighter tomorrow.

Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery holds the distinction of being the initial academic unit establish within Ziauddin University. It was founded in 1986, marking the beginning of academic programmes offered by the university. While empowering individuals through professional education in nursing and midwifery, we also render services to the community at a grass root level. We also work with communities to address women’s and children’s health issues, as well as conduct supervised community-based research on women and child issues.

ZUFONAM aims to contribute significantly to the objectives of the AFWCC by delivering evidence-based services, such as antenatal and postnatal clinics, growth monitoring and nutrition services, women and child immunisation programmes, family planning services, and mental health support. The department also aims to improve the health and well-being of women and children in the community through research initiatives focusing on emerging health issues in sexual, reproductive, and mental health. Faculty members will be academically prepared to support AFWCC activities, and formal and informal training and awareness campaigns will be conducted at a grass-roots level.

The College of Human Nutrition and Dietetics is committed to its mission of establishing internationally comparable education programmes in Human Nutrition and Dietetics, underpinned by rigorous research for evidence-based solutions. With a focus on collaboration with industry to develop nutrition-promoting products and services and engaging stakeholders in projects promoting healthy lifestyles, the college is at the forefront of shaping the future of nutrition science. Offering both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to address contemporary challenges in nutrition and dietetics, preparing them for impactful careers in the field.

Furthermore, the college dedicates itself to significantly contributing to women’s and children’s health within the community. In the AFWCC initiative, the college will actively apply strategies to enhance the health of women and children by tackling undernutrition, anaemia, micronutrient deficiencies, and overweight issues, particularly among pregnant and breastfeeding women, while also addressing low birth weight in newborns. Additionally, the college endeavours to implement widespread, evidence-based nutrition programmes and services that prioritise equity, focusing on the critical periods of preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum care for women.

The College of Clinical Psychology is dedicated to providing education and clinical services with a steadfast commitment to quality and innovation. Our mission is to cultivate an inclusive community that upholds integrity, freedom, and discovery. We strive for excellence in teaching, research, and public service, driven by a passion to positively impact society. Recognising the pressing need to address the mental health challenges faced by women and children, our efforts are directed towards creating a supportive and empowering environment for these groups. 

We aim to enhance well-being and advocate for their rights and needs through various strategic initiatives, partnerships, and research. We develop and deliver specialised training programmes for mental health professionals, tailored to address the specific needs of women and children, equipping professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective and compassionate care. We advance the understanding of mental health issues affecting women and children through rigorous research, conducting studies that explore these unique challenges to develop innovative and effective interventions that can be applied in clinical settings. Actively engaging with the community is a crucial part of our mission, and we participate in outreach activities designed to promote the well-being and empowerment of women and children. These activities include collaborations with other organisations and stakeholders to advocate for policies and practices that support these groups. We utilise the resources and expertise within our department to provide comprehensive support and advocacy for women and children at the local level. By leveraging our strengths, we aim to make a significant impact on the lives of these individuals, ensuring they receive the care and support they need. Through these initiatives, the College of Clinical Psychology remains committed to fostering a healthier, more inclusive society where the mental health needs of women and children are prioritised and addressed with compassion and expertise.

The Office for Research, Innovation, & Commercialization (ORIC) at Ziauddin University plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and excellence within the institution. ORIC collaborates with various departments, including the Clinical Trial Unit (CTU), to advance healthcare solutions and promote well-being for all ages, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG-3).

Within the Dr. Aijaz Fatima Woman and Child Care Centre (AFWCC), ORIC’s primary goal is to lead research initiatives that address critical health challenges faced by women and children in Pakistan. This includes tackling high maternal and child mortality rates, birth complications, malnutrition, and a lack of access to healthcare. 

To achieve these goals, ORIC employs strategies that emphasise accessibility, equity, and integrated healthcare programmes. This involves facilitating multidisciplinary research projects, securing funding for innovative studies, and forming partnerships with local and international organisations. ORIC ensures that its research is inclusive, targeting underserved communities to make healthcare accessible to all.

ORIC’s research priorities for AFWCC include improving maternal health, addressing child nutrition and malnutrition, and combating stunting. Through multidisciplinary collaboration with clinicians and faculties and active community engagement, ORIC ensures that its research addresses the most pressing health issues and promotes overall community well-being.

ORIC at Ziauddin University strives to improve local healthcare outcomes and influence health policies on a larger scale. Through its dedication to research and innovation, ORIC aims to create a healthier future for all, ensuring better health and well-being for women and children.