Dr. Serena Taj | Physician, Public Health Professional & Clinical Researcher

I raise awareness through advocacy and communication, utilizing mass media and effective health coordination to break down structural barriers and empower women with practical support. I have been an advocate for the education of children with disabilities, ensuring their needs are not overlooked in broader development efforts.
Built strong coalitions across sectors by working with health and fiscal policymakers, as well as ministries of health, education, finance, communication, and social welfare alongside donors and development partners. Collaborated closely with religious leaders, immunization champions, and influential figures from sports, film, radio, theatre, television, and telecommunications to amplify public health messaging and drive community engagement.
These partnerships extend to medical institutions, professional associations of physicians and pediatricians, NGO and CSO directors, community-based organizations, practicing doctors and pharmacists, academic institutions, and other health-focused organizations all united in driving sustainable health promotion and equity.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was honored to play a central role in the Tele-ICU Pilot Project, a collaborative initiative between UNDP, UNFPA, and the Government of Pakistan, which delivered critical care remotely to hospitals in underserved regions. As a Telehealth Practitioner, I supported clinical decision-making in areas with limited specialist access. I also led nationwide PPE training for healthcare professionals and served in operational leadership at Baluchistan’s first 24/7 COVID-19 Vaccination Centre: a milestone for healthcare in some of the country’s most underserved areas.
Outside of medicine and public health, I’ve always turned to literature to express the parts of life that science can’t explain. I wrote my first poem, “I Want to Reach the Sky,” in 1995 while still in school. That early work was published in regional newspapers and marked the beginning of my journey as a writer. In 2002, I received the International Poet of Merit Award from the International Society of Poets (USA), and the following year, I won an international poetry contest. My work was later published in Letters from the Soul, an anthology that celebrates the emotional depth of the human experience.
With experience across multiple health systems, I focus on practical, realistic steps toward a more just world, not because it’s idealistic, but because it’s necessary.
I am a physician, public health expert, and clinical researcher with experience across South Asia, the Middle East, and North America. My journey has been shaped by a deep and enduring commitment to equity and service. My father a businessman and architect instilled in me the values of discipline and vision. My mother nurtured our home with compassion and quiet strength. And my teacher, Professor Saleem Rana, inspired a lifelong dedication to learning and integrity. From them, I learned the importance of hard work, resilience, and empathy principles that continue to guide both my personal and professional life.
I completed my GCSE O Levels through the University of Cambridge (UK). My medical journey began with an MBBS degree in Pakistan, followed by MCPS training in Obstetrics and Gynecology. In those formative years, I provided integrated surgical and medical care to women in underserved public-sector communities, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges faced at the grassroots level. That experience shaped my understanding of what it means to serve on the front lines of healthcare and deepened my resolve to address the structural barriers affecting health outcomes.
Driven by a desire to understand system, I pursued an MPH and an MPhil in Public Health Research academic experiences that equipped me with the tools to explore root causes, analyze data critically, and translate evidence into actionable insights for policymakers and global health leaders.
Over the years, I’ve held leadership roles and collaborated with esteemed organizations such as UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO). My work has included immunization campaigns, disease surveillance, strategic health communication, and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen healthcare systems in marginalized communities. I’ve worked closely with healthcare workers, local authorities, and communities to improve vaccination coverage and advance preventive care to complement my global public health work.
During my humanitarian journey, I’ve remained deeply committed to working for communities. Whether through awareness campaigns, education sessions, or creative initiatives, I’ve always believed that change starts by building trust and encouraging people to use their own strengths. My training empowered healthcare workers to become dynamic agents of change, turning overlooked healthy habits into captivating theatre, stage performances, and heartfelt songs. With creativity and passion, they carried the message of immunization into every household, transforming awareness into lasting impact.