Fixing Health Systems
Dr. Anis Kazi's career is distinguished by a record of impact, innovation, and leadership across the global health landscape. His professional journey encompasses pivotal roles within the World Health Organization at headquarters, regional, and country levels, as well as significant contributions in government and the development sector. Each phase of his portfolio demonstrates a steadfast commitment to advancing health systems, driving policy reform, and delivering results in complex and diverse environments.
At the World Health Organization's Headquarters, Dr. Kazi has played an important role in advancing the Global Research Agenda on Health and Migration. He has supported the first regional and country-level implementations, developed adaptable tools and mechanisms, and strengthened research-to-policy translation across WHO regions. Through the facilitation of research networks and partnerships, he has elevated migration health as a central pillar in global health discourse.
As a member of the Global Roster of Experts on Primary Health Care, Dr. Kazi has been acknowledged as a key resource to the identification and scaling of innovative solutions in PHC reforms. His technical guidance has in the past informed global best practices, investment planning, and policy development, ensuring that evidence-based approaches underpin performance improvement and sustainable health outcomes.
Dr. Kazi's consultancy with WHO in Palestine highlights his ability to support national health system assessments and facilitate multisectoral dialogue. He played a key role in shaping the country's PHC strategy, implementation, and investment plan, ensuring alignment with emerging evidence and long-term sustainability.
Previously, as Technical Officer and Consultant for Primary Health Care and Global Health Initiatives at the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office, Dr. Kazi coordinated regional PHC efforts, led policy development, and advanced people-centred health services across multiple countries. His leadership in evidence generation, knowledge exchange, and framework development, country case studies and Member State support missions have influenced health policy and practice throughout the region.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Kazi served as Regional Deputy Lead for Information and Planning and Health Service Delivery at WHO's Western Pacific Regional Office. He coordinated the Healthcare Capacity Monitoring Working Group, supported the response strategies across 37 Member States, and developed critical tools for surveillance and service optimization. His efforts strengthened regional resilience and facilitated rapid knowledge sharing during a time of unprecedented challenge.
In Pakistan, Dr. Kazi led national emergency preparedness and response to polio outbreaks, managing multidisciplinary teams and building surge capacity across organizations such as WHO, UNICEF, CDC, and government agencies. His technical and operational guidance ensured effective surveillance, risk assessment, and outbreak response at the national, provincial, and district levels.
As Head of the Chief Minister's Stunting Reduction Program in Punjab, Dr. Kazi designed and operationalized a multi-sectoral initiative to combat malnutrition in a province of over 115 million people. His leadership mobilized political and technical support, established robust monitoring systems, and institutionalized sustainable strategies for stunting reduction.
At Heartfile, a leading health think tank, Dr. Kazi served as Senior Manager for Health Systems Strengthening and Head of Policy Advocacy and Research. He led the development and scale-up of the Heartfile Health Financing program, an award-winning mHealth-enabled social protection system. His work in research, grant management, fundraising, and policy advocacy elevated Heartfile's influence and sustainability, advancing health innovation and financial protection for vulnerable populations.