DHLT programme by AKU graduates 172 professionals across 11 regions

AKU's Developing healthcare leaders for tomorrow (DHLT) marks milestone graduation across 11 regions

KARACHI: The developing healthcare leaders for tomorrow (DHLT), a six-month premier leadership development programme by Aga Khan University (AKU), has concluded with closing ceremonies held simultaneously across 11 locations: Karachi, Islamabad, Chitral, Gilgit, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Mombasa, Kisumu, Syria, Tajikistan, and Kabul. Designed as a hybrid learning experience, the DHLT programme equips faculty and staff with practical leadership skills and behaviors to excel in current roles and prepare for future opportunities.

A total of 172 participants representing Aga Khan University and Hospital, the French Medical Institute for Mothers and Children (FMIC), and the Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) successfully completed the programme. Senior leadership from each region joined the ceremonies to recognise the graduates’ commitment to service, continuous improvement, and health systems strengthening.

In his keynote address, President Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin said the graduation reflects a culture of investing in people and the institutions they serve. He noted:

“I want to congratulate the 172 graduates of this programme. Committing six months to this, alongside your professional responsibilities, requires a great deal of dedication. As Warren Buffet once said, ‘The most important investment you can make is in yourself.’ That is exactly what each of you has been doing—investing in yourselves. This investment will not only carry you forward in your careers but will also strengthen the institutions you represent.”

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Programme highlights

• Hybrid learning model combining live virtual instruction, peer learning, and on-site application to real-world healthcare challenges.
• Focus on core leadership competencies, including team development, communication, ethical decision-making, and quality improvement.
• Cross-regional collaboration connecting participants from Pakistan, East Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East to exchange best practices and build resilient networks.

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Why it matters

By building leadership capacity among clinicians, educators, and administrators, the DHLT programme supports better patient outcomes, stronger organisational performance, and sustainable health services. The multi-country cohort ensures that lessons learned translate across diverse health systems, strengthening continuity of care and operational excellence in resource-varied settings.

What graduates take forward

Graduates leave with actionable leadership toolkits, mentorship connections, and a shared commitment to people-centred care. The network formed through DHLT will continue to foster collaboration across AKU, FMIC, and AKHS sites, enabling graduates to lead improvement projects, mentor teams, and drive evidence-based change.

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