Pakistan loses a towering voice in infectious disease care

Tributes pour in for Karachi physician Dr Naseem Salahuddin, remembered for her work in rabies prevention, HIV care, and humanitarian service

By Mukhtar Alam

KARACHI: Senior Karachi-based infectious diseases expert and humanitarian physician Professor Dr Naseem Salahuddin, widely respected for her lifelong services in infectious disease management, rabies prevention, HIV care, tuberculosis treatment, and public health advocacy, passed away after a tragic road accident in Morocco, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes from Pakistan’s medical fraternity and international colleagues.

“Dr Naseem was the epitome of what a medical professional should aspire to be. She was an exceptionally competent clinician, a thorough academic, and a pioneering force in infectious diseases.”

This was stated by the Infection Control Society of Pakistan (ICSP) in a condolence note issued by Prof Dr Rafiq Khanani, Dr Nizam Damani, Dr Hasan Nawab, Dr Khursheed Hashmi, and Dr Saeed Abbasi. The ICSP leaders said they had shared a decades-long professional association with Dr Naseem Salahuddin in drafting national guidelines, conducting HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis trainings, and spearheading rabies and infection prevention initiatives across Pakistan.

The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), through its Secretary General Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, termed her death an “irreparable loss” for the medical fraternity and described her as a pioneering infectious diseases specialist, mentor, and public health advocate.

“We have lost a legendary infectious diseases physician. I always sought guidance from her in difficult clinical situations,” wrote former DUHS Vice Chancellor Prof Masood Hameed Khan on social media.

Former Sindh Healthcare Commission executive director Dr Minhaj A Qidwai described Dr Naseem Salahuddin’s death as “a national tragedy,” particularly recalling her passionate leadership on rabies and infectious disease-related causes.

Javaid A Khan from the Aga Khan University also paid tribute, noting that Dr Naseem Salahuddin graduated from Fatima Jinnah Medical University in 1967 before pursuing advanced training and board certification in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases in the United States. She later became one of the foremost figures in establishing infectious diseases as a recognised specialty in Pakistan.

He further noted that she served on the World Health Organization Expert Advisory Panel on Rabies and played a leading role in campaigns aimed at making Pakistan rabies-free.

Referring to her literary contributions, Dr Khan highlighted that beyond medicine, Dr Naseem also authored Among My Own: The Untold Stories of My People, reflecting on decades of service among underserved communities, and co-authored If Stones Could Speak: Echoes from the Past with her husband Prof Iftikhar Salahuddin.

Among the institutional tributes, Indus Hospital & Health Network, with which she remained associated until her last days, remarked: “Her wisdom, humility, and unwavering devotion to humanity inspired colleagues, students, and healthcare professionals alike, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that will continue to guide and motivate future generations.”

Dr Naseem had been associated with IHHN since November 1, 2007, and remained a beacon of dedication, compassion, and excellence in the field of healthcare and infectious diseases, the statement added.

“Her lifelong commitment to patient care, medical education, and humanitarian service greatly contributed to strengthening the mission of providing quality healthcare, free of cost, to those in need. A passionate advocate for public health, Dr Naseem Salahuddin also played a pivotal role in raising awareness and advancing efforts toward a Rabies-Free Pakistan. Her relentless work in the prevention and treatment of rabies saved countless lives and brought national attention to an often-neglected public health challenge.”

Liaquat National Hospital also paid tribute, stating: “Dr Naseem was the embodiment of compassion, service, humility and care.”

In a statement, the hospital’s Medical Director, Prof Dr Salman Faridi, said Dr Naseem was associated with LNH from the late 1980s to 2006. She established the Department of Infectious Diseases at the hospital and trained and mentored a large number of young doctors in the specialty.

“As a senior consultant, Dr Naseem also played a pivotal role in strengthening academic activities at the institution. She left a deep imprint on the minds and lives not only of her patients, but also of all those who worked with her,” he said.

LNH further noted that she was among the pioneers of infectious disease management in Pakistan and was instrumental in establishing the Karachi Infectious Diseases Society (KIDS), which later evolved into the Infectious Diseases Society of Pakistan (IDSP).

“Her commitment to helping poor and underprivileged communities was legendary and included initiatives such as running a mobile school for children from deprived communities,” the hospital added.

As tributes continued to emerge from across Pakistan and abroad, colleagues remembered Dr Naseem Salahuddin as a physician, mentor, and humanitarian whose legacy will long outlive her tragic passing — “another sun sets in Pakistan,” as one colleague wrote.

File photo source: IHHN