London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Tell us about your current research

My research focuses on improving childhood immunisation uptake and equity, particularly among marginalised populations in underserved settings. This means often working across three broad areas. Firstly, testing innovative strategies, including digital health technologies, to stimulate vaccine demand and empower health workers. Secondly, using data and geospatial analytics to explore patterns in vaccine uptake, identify low coverage hotspots, and uncover socioeconomic and demographic risk factors of low coverage. Lastly, working with governments to guide evidence-based policy, and scaling up interventions that are most effective.

How did you first become interested in vaccines?

My initial exposure and interest in vaccines came through an economics lens. Coming from a development economics background, one of my earliest projects was a randomised controlled trial to investigate the optimal design of small cash incentives to increase uptake of routine childhood immunisations. Through this work, I became interested in the social, political, and behavioural factors that influence why families choose to vaccinate-or not. What began as a narrow research project soon evolved into a deeper commitment to understanding why these gaps persist, and how they can be addressed through data-driven insights, innovative technologies and approaches.

What do you hope to achieve during your time as a member of the Vaccine Centre?

I hope to contribute to strengthening the Centre’s visibility and engagement both within LSHTM and externally. Recently, I have been involved in an exercise to revamp the Centre’s website, which highlighted for me how important it is to present our work in a clear and accessible way. I would also like to contribute to events that bring attention to current issues in vaccines and create opportunities for dialogue across disciplines.

What do you find particularly interesting working as a member of the Vaccine Centre?

Probably the diversity of expertise within the Vaccine Centre, from lab scientists to field researchers to health systems thinkers, all working toward a shared goal of improving immunisation outcomes. It’s a space that encourages exchange of ideas, and I value the opportunity to learn from others while contributing insights from my own experience.

Where do you think your research will take you?

My hope is that my work continues to push for more equitable health systems. In the near term, I want to deepen the evidence base on how to effectively reach zero-dose and under-immunised populations, especially in the face of emerging challenges such as conflicts and climate-induced disruptions. Beyond this broad vision, I have also learned to embrace the unplanned paths that research often takes, and I’m excited to see where those paths might lead next.

What are some of the real-life implications of your work?

A key aspect of my work is not just piloting new innovations but ensuring that proven solutions are scaled in partnership with governments. For example, I was part of the team that developed, piloted, and scaled an electronic immunisation registry in Pakistan, which now digitally enrols children and provides real-time data on immunisation for a population of over 50 million.

This system has transformed how the immunisation programme is managed. The availability of child-level, real-time data enabled us to identify where coverage gaps exist, and, crucially, why they persist. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the registry was instrumental in highlighting service disruptions and supporting strategies to maintain routine immunisation rates. It has also uncovered inequities, such as gender-related barriers and the exclusion of zero-dose children, helping shape more responsive policy and programme design.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

These days, much of my spare time is spent building Lego and puzzles with my 4- and 8-year-olds. I also enjoy any activity that gets me outdoors, whenever the UK weather cooperates!

What would you consider an interesting or fun fact about yourself?

Not your typical fun fact, perhaps, but definitely the most life-changing one: earlier this year, I left a senior leadership role to co-found an organization. It was a leap of faith, driven by a desire to build something rooted in respect, equity, and compassion. We work to empower underserved communities for a more just and inclusive society, and this step has turned out to be among the most fulfilling experiences of my life.

How can people get and stay in touch with you?

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