Fatima Akbari

Background

About Fatima Akbari

Healthcare Management Professional | Global Health Researcher | Health Emergency Strategist With over five years of experience across global and national health systems, including technical roles at the World Health Organization (WHO) and USAID, I specialize in health emergency response, global health policy, and strategic donor relations. I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Healthcare Management (MSHM) at Indiana University – Kelley School of Business, backed by a scholarship for displaced students. During one of the most turbulent times in Afghanistan’s history—the Taliban takeover in 2021 and its aftermath—I played a key role in WHO Afghanistan’s emergency health response. I led the development of funding proposals that secured over $250 million to maintain and expand access to essential healthcare services, while coordinating closely with global partners and leading the External Relations Team during a time of crisis. My background also includes award-winning research in global health financing, technical monitoring of health projects, and field-based coordination of COVID-19 surveillance and response. I bring a results-driven, culturally sensitive approach to health systems strengthening—bridging research, field operations, and stakeholder engagement. Research published in international peer-reviewed journals Honored by the Japanese Society of Public Health for original research Fluent in Dari, Pashto, English, and Urdu I'm passionate about improving healthcare access in fragile settings through policy, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration. Let’s connect if you’re working at the intersection of global health, emergency response, or healthcare leadership.