Societal Awards

Presented to Dr. Abdul Ghaffar for his lifelong dedication to advancing Health Policy and Systems Research (HPSR), promoting its influence on global health policy, and building capacity for the next generation of researchers. Dr. Ghaffar’s contributions have significantly shaped the HPSR field, initially through his work at the Global Forum for Health Research
and later as the driving force behind the Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research for over a decade.

Trained as a physician in Pakistan and holding a PhD from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Dr. Ghaffar’s career spans both research and policymaking. He served as Assistant Director-General of Planning and Development and then as Director of the Health Services Academy in Pakistan’s Ministry of Health. His dual expertise enabled him to ensure that research funded by the Alliance was effectively applied in policymaking, fostering
connections with national and subnational policymakers.

Under his leadership, the Alliance commissioned influential strategies and reports, including the WHO Strategy on Health Policy and Systems Research and the World Report on HPSR, which quantified the field’s growth. He also led the Learning, Engaging, and Advocating for HPSR (LEAP) Forum, mobilizing stakeholders to advance HPSR. Dr. Ghaffar championed capacity strengthening across diverse global regions, prioritizing young researchers and establishing initiatives like the first WHO Young Professionals Program and a joint mentorship scheme with Health Systems Global. His focus on integrating
systems thinking and implementation research into fields such as noncommunicable diseases and road traffic safety broadened HPSR’s scope and impact. With over 100 peer-reviewed publications, his career has been marked by unwavering support for HPSR’s growth and its integration into health policy.

Dr. Abdul Ghaffar’s outstanding contributions make him a highly deserving recipient of the HSG-Alliance HPSR Lifetime Service Award, leaving a lasting legacy in global health systems and inspiring future generations in the field.

Presented to Dr. Keith Cloete for his exceptional commitment to public service and improving population health in South Africa. As the current head of the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness (DOHW), Dr. Cloete has demonstrated remarkable leadership, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis, where his humility, transparency, and evidence-based decision-making earned him respect within and beyond the department.

Dr. Cloete has spearheaded numerous initiatives to strengthen the provincial health system to better address population needs. His innovative restructuring in the mid-2010s introduced an integrated, lifecourse approach to service delivery. More recently, he has pioneered ‘health ecosystems’ in the public health system—blending hierarchical and networked governance modes to support collaborative action and resilience. He has also led cross-sectoral initiatives within the provincial government, such as promoting child
wellbeing, violence prevention, and alcohol harm reduction, utilizing the DOHW’s advanced analytical capabilities.

Internationally recognized, these Western Cape initiatives contribute to global discussions on maternal and child health, inter-sectoral action, and health system resilience. A systems thinker at heart, Dr. Cloete draws on scholarly work, experience, and public health evidence to drive systemic improvements. He is deeply involved in the Western Cape health policy and systems research (HPSR) community, fostering research-policy engagement and
collaborating with universities in research and education. Dr. Cloete has also contributed to Health Systems Global as a plenary speaker and program working group member, making him a highly deserving recipient of the HSG-Alliance Sam Adjei Distinguished Public Service Award

Presented to Dr. Zahra Zeinali for her dedication to advancing gender equity and strengthening health systems through research and advocacy. Dr. Zeinali has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to gender mainstreaming within health workforce policies, contributing significantly to our understanding of gender disparities in health systems. Her work has led to critical advancements, informing policies that address gender inequities in the health workforce.

Currently a DrPH student and global health scholar, Dr. Zeinali has published extensively, including in high-impact journals and WHO reports. Her notable research on leadership trajectories of female and male health workers in Kenya and India has identified key barriers and enablers of women’s leadership in health, shaping gender-equitable health policymaking. Through her active involvement in networks such as the Emerging Voices for Global Health Governance Board, Dr. Zeinali has established herself as a thought leader in
gender-transformative health systems. Her contributions have not only strengthened the evidence base for health systems but have
also influenced global health actors to take meaningful steps toward gender equality.

Dr.Zeinali’s commitment to health systems research and her achievements in advancing gender equity make her a highly deserving recipient of the HSG-Alliance Young Professional Award.