Dr. Sania Nishtar is the Chief Executive Officer of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (since 18 March 2024). Trained as a medical doctor, she has spent over 30 years leading efforts to improve global public health — including founding the health-policy NGO Heartfile in Pakistan and mobilizing reforms to expand access to healthcare and social safety nets.
Her professional expertise spans health systems design, health financing, policy advocacy, and global health governance. Under her leadership at Gavi, she aims to advance equitable vaccine access worldwide — focusing on reaching underserved “zero-dose” children, strengthening immunization systems, and preparing for future outbreaks and health emergencies.
Dr. Nishtar is widely recognized as a global health innovator and advocate for equity, having served as a federal health minister in Pakistan, a member of the Senate, and co-chair of major international health commissions.
