Centered on youth, digital innovation, and nextgeneration engagement, the summit explored strategies to improve health outcomes Prof Raza highlighted the essential role of family planning in shaping a healthier, empowered future for Pakistan’s young population through education and inclusive care
Prof Syed Jamal Raza, Executive Director Sindh Institute of Child Health & Neonatology (SICHN) and Dr Shahid Raza, COO SICHN, met with H E Cemal Sangu, Turkish Co meeting highlighted SICHN's impactful work in child heal Hospital Korangi-5. Discussions focused on strengthenin transform pediatric healthcare in Sindh
ve Director of SICHN, visited the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) and met with President Junaid Naqi to explore impactful public-private collaboration The meeting focused on uniting efforts for child health advancement in Sindh By engaging key industry leaders, SICHN reinforces its commitment to delivering free, high-quality pediatric and neonatal care ensuring brighter, d
VISITED GHOTKI
On the special invitation of the Commissioner Sukkur Division, Prof. Syed Jamal Raza, Executive Director of SICHN, and Dr Shahid Raza, COO of SICHN, visited Taluka Hospital Ghotki and District Headquarter Hospital Mirpur Mathelo, District Ghotki They assessed the feasibility of establishing a SICHN unit to enhance pediatric and neonatal care This initiative aligns with SICHN’s mission to improve healthcare access and expand specialized care for children across Sindh
BUILDING BRIDGES: SICHN AND KATI JOIN HANDS
Prof Syed Jamal Raza, Executive Director, along with Dr Shahid Raza, COO, and Anum Shakeel, Head of Media, met with members of the Korangi Association of Trade & Industry (KATI) The meeting highlighted t l k ld l d extended an invitation to visit the SICHN Children Hospital Korangi-5
SICHN LEADERSHIP ENGAGEMENTS
BILL & MELINDA GATES FOUNDATION
T E A M V I S I T
The team from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, led by Mushtaq Chapra, visited the Sindh Institute of Child Health & Neonatology (SICHN) Children's Hospital, Korangi 5. Executive Director Prof. Syed Jamal Raza hosted the visit, presenting the network’s achievements, expansion plans, and future goals The delegation appreciated the hospital’s commitment to providing free neonatal and pediatric care, recognizing its transformative role in improving healthcare access and outcomes across Sindh
As the new year began, SICHN embraced a moment of reflection and renewal. At Children’s Hospital Korangi 5, Dr Mufti Asim, Head of Shariah, led an inspiring session on workplace ethics, integrity, and values Rooted in Islamic teachings, the talk encouraged staff to work with sincerity and unity, reminding everyone that healing begins not just with care, but with compassion, shared purpose, and unwavering dedication to human dignity and service.
An insightful workshop on Pediatric Mechanical Ventilation was held at SICHN Children's Hospital, Sukkur, organized by the Department of Pediatric Surgical ICU. The session covered essential concepts of pediatric ventilation, troubleshooting strategies, and liberation techniques in detail Conducted by Dr Sheeraz Ahmed Channa and Dr Sadaruddin Arijo, the workshop offered a valuable learning experience, fostering clinical excellence and enhancing practical knowledge in pediatric critical care
HBB training was successfully conducted at SICHN IQRA (Integrated Quality Research and Training Academy), reinforcing SICHN’s commitment to improving neonatal care Led by expert neonatologists Dr Faraz Ahmed, Dr Azeem Khan, and Dr Naila Nizami, the session equipped healthcare professionals with essential life-saving skills and knowledge This training supports ongoing efforts to reduce infant mortality and strengthen delivery room interventions across healthcare settings
SICHN in collaboration with AKUH, hosted its 1st Transcranial Doppler (TCD) Workshop, enhancing pediatric neurocritical care Led by experts from AKUH’s Paeds Radiology and supported by PCCM teams, the hands-on session highlighted TCD’s role in monitoring cerebral hemodynamics, estimating ICP and CPP, detecting vasospasm, tracking emboli, and confirming brain death, marking a key step forward in PICU point-of-care innovation
STRENGTHENING TIES: KATI MEMBERS TOUR SICHN FACILITIES
Strengthening public-private collaboration, members of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) visited SICHN Children Hospital Korangi Prof Syed Jamal Raza, Executive Director of SICHN, along with the hospital management, warmly welcomed the delegation. The visit highlighted SICHN’s mission to deliver free, specialized pediatric and neonatal care across Sindh and opened dialogue for future corporate partnerships to support child health and community-focused healthcare initiatives
HBB workshop was conducted at SICHN Children Hospital Sukkur in collaboration with UNICEF. Led by expert neonatologists and pediatricians, 25 healthcare professionals received hands-on neonatal resuscitation training through theory, OSCEs, and simulations The session strengthened critical newborn care skills, aiming to reduce preventable newborn deaths SICHN thanks UNICEF and facilitators for supporting this impactful initiative to improve neonatal survival and quality care across Sindh
In Shaheed Benazirabad (SBA), where advan neonatal care was once limited, SIC dedicated NICU now provides life-saving sup Committed to building capacity, SIC conducted a Helping Babies Breathe (H workshop with UNICEF’s support Led by Muhammad Usman, Dr Ehtisham Malik, and Javed Ali, 22 participants from various S health institutes enhanced neonatal resuscita skills, improving newborn care and strengthe the region’s ability to protect fragile lives
Neonatal transport is critical in saving newborn lives, where every second counts At SIC
Azeem and Dr Sana led a focused session for Sindh Integrated Emergency & Health Serv safe transport protocols, ventilator handling, thermal regulation, and stabilization tec broader mission to build healthcare capacity By equipping ambulance staff with vital neo lasting impact on child health in emergency situations
SICHN Children Hospital Sukkur is dedicated to the continuous advancement of its staff's skills, fostering growth and professional development
A recent session on chest physiotherapy, led by Dr Sughra Zardari (DPT), provided an invaluable opportunity for staff to enhance their expertise
These training initiatives are vital for equipping healthcare teams with the knowledge needed to deliver exceptional pediatric care, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and ongoing professional growth
COVER STORY
NEONATAL TETANUS IN PAKISTAN: A WAKE-UP CALL THROUGH SAFA’S STORY
Neonatal tetanus is a life-threatening infection caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria, typically entering a newborn's body through unhygienic delivery or cord care practices It leads to severe muscle stiffness, spasms, difficulty breathing, and seizures Despite being entirely preventable, neonatal tetanus still claims over 25,000 newborn lives annually worldwide. Pakistan, with its high rate of home births and inadequate maternal immunization, remains one of the countries most affected.
Baby Safa, the youngest in her family, was born at home in a remote village By her 9th day of life, she started showing alarming symptoms, including fever, poor feeding, muscle stiffness, and seizures Her condition worsened, and her parents rushed her to the emergency department, where she was referred to the NICU at SICHN Children’s Hospital, Karachi
Upon arrival, Safa was critically ill, suffering from tonic-clonic seizures and a painful opisthotonus posture The neonatal team at SICHN, along with a dedicated physiotherapist, immediately began life-saving treatment Physiotherapy played a key role in reducing Safa's muscle stiffness, improving her respiratory function, and supporting her overall recovery With continuous care and expert medical management, Safa's condition stabilized remarkably.
After a 29-day hospital stay, Safa was discharged in stable condition SICHN continued to provide follow-up physiotherapy, which helped Safa improve her muscle tone, breathing patterns, and developmental milestones By the time Safa was eight months old, she had reached age-appropriate milestones Her parents received guidance on home care to ensure her continued progress
Recommendations to Prevent Neonatal Tetanus:
Promote institutional and skilled birth deliveries to reduce home births
Ensure complete maternal immunization during pregnancy to prevent neonatal tetanus
Educate traditional birth attendants on sterile delivery and cord-care practices
Strengthen antenatal and postnatal care services, especially in underserved areas
Raise awareness through community outreach and media campaigns
Implement clean cord-cutting and cord-care techniques in all deliveries
Integrate early physiotherapy and neuro-physiological assessments into neonatal care protocols
SICHN’s Role:
SICHN played a critical role in Safa's survival and recovery From the initial emergency care in the NICU to comprehensive physiotherapy and neuro-physiological support, the institute’s multidisciplinary approach ensured Safa received the best care possible SICHN continues to provide life-saving interventions and support for families, highlighting the importance of integrated care in neonatal healthcare.
We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the NICU doctors and staff, especially Dr Faraz Ahmed & Dr Muhammad Azeem, Consultant Neonatologists, for their compassionate care of Safa. A special thanks to Dr. Lajwanti, our dedicated physiotherapist, whose incredible success stories have touched the hearts of so many parents. We also deeply appreciate Dr. Fareeda Jan, Consultant Neurologist, for her expert aftercare and unwavering support in Safa’s recovery journey
The PGME Department at SICHN Children’s Hospital, Korangi, successfully conducted the TOACS Viva Examination, evaluating 23 postgraduate residents on real-world pediatric clinical scenarios. This comprehensive assessment focused on critical thinking, diagnostic accuracy, and patient care skills It marks a key milestone in shaping future pediatric leaders through expert mentorship, rigorous training, and continuous learning, furthering SICHN’s commitment to excellence in specialized child healthcare across Sindh. S
Another proud milestone for the SICHN network: the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Sobhraj Maternity Hospital is now fully functional Managed by SICHN, the NICU and Pediatric Unit offer specialized, round-the-clock care for newborns and children in the heart of Karachi This marks a major step forward in enhancing maternal and child health across Sindh through expert and compassionate healthcareservices
The Pediatric Surgery ICU and OT Complex at Children’sHospitalSukkurwasinaugurated,marking asignificantmilestoneinspecializedchildhealthcare
Dr. Illahi Bux Brohi, Consultant Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Pediatric/Neonatal Surgeon and Urologist,briefedProf JamalRaza,ExecutiveDirector of SICHN, on the advanced surgical facilities. The event was also attended by Dr Shahid Raza, COO of SICHN, reaffirming their strong commitment to pediatric healthcare excellence and providing exceptionalcaretochildrenacrosstheregion
Head Nurse Muhammad Niaz, supported by the SICHN Research Team, presented groundbreaking findings on the "Feasibility and Safety of External Jugular Vein Cannulation in Acute Critically Ill Children" at a prestigious national conference His poster presentation won top honors, proudly showcasing SICHN’s ongoing commitment to advancing pediatric care through impactful, collaborative,andevidence-basedclinicalresearch
SICHN Children’s Hospital Korangi, reached a meaningful milestone with the SAANS project, "Strategy Adapted for Advancing Neonatal Survival " Seventy-five healthcare workers from District Korangi were trained in neonatal resuscitation, with a focus on bag-and-mask ventilation This initiative is a vital step toward improving newborn survival and reducing birth asphyxia, one life-saving breath at a time
INTERNATIONAL SPEAKER SESSION GLOBAL EXPERTISE MEETS REGIONAL EXCELLENCE
Dr Nasir Rashid from UNLV visited SICHN Children’s Hospitals in Sukkur and Karachi, conducting workshops and sharing global insights. His training sessions enhanced medical expertise, fostering international collaboration and elevating pediatric and neonatal care standards across Sindh Dr Nasir also expressed his appreciation for SICHN's commitment to advancing child healthcare
WORLD HEARING DAY
SICHN celebrated World Hearing Day 2025 in partnership with Al Lisan Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Clinic by organizing a hearing camp at the Pre-Term Clinic, Children Hospital Korangi Ms Laiba Islam Rana screened newborns using advanced audiology tools Re-tests were scheduled for those who didn’t pass the initial screening. Early detection supports healthy speech and language development. Parents are encouraged to follow up to ensure their child’s hearing milestones are met
SICHN CELEBRATED INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY
Heartfelt tribute to the incredible women shaping the future of healthcare The event recognized the resilience, dedication, and leadership of female staff across all departments With thoughtful conversations, appreciation tokens, and a shared vision for empowerment, the celebration reinforced SICHN’s unwavering commitment to gender equity It highlighted the institute’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where women in healthcare are valued, empowered, and inspired to lead
WORLD KIDNEY DAY
At SICHN, Dr Shabeeta Bai, Consultant Pediatric Nephrologist, is not only committed to treating children with kidney conditions but also to building future capacity by mentoring students and fellows On World Kidney Day, her dedication reflects SICHN’s broader vision to advance pediatric kidney health through expert care, education, and prevention She emphasizes the importance of early detection, hydration, and regular check-ups to prevent long-term complications Her work continues to inspire hope and healing for families across Sindh
SICHN NETWORK MARKS INTERNATIONAL EPILEPSY AWARENESS DAY
SICHN Network’s Children Hospitals in Sukkur and Karachi observed International Epilepsy Awareness Day 2025 under the theme “Epilepsy is Beyond Seizures.” Staff, doctors, and families joined awareness walks, while parents shared heartfelt stories. Experts discussed local cases and emphasized early di reflecting the SICHN Network’s dedication s
SICHN RAMZAN CAMPAIGN 2025 “SEHATMAND KAL KA GEHWARA”
SICHN’s presence echoed across Sindh this Ramzan through an extraordinary visibility campaign under the banner of “Sehatmand Kal Ka Gehwara.” The institute’s message reached millions through televised broadcasts, emotionally powerful DVCs, city-wide streamers, and striking bus branding, making child health a conversation in homes and communities alike This high-impact outreach not only elevated public trust but also deepened donor confidence in SICHN’s mission At the heart of this success was the Media and Communications Department, whose consistent efforts and strategic media execution marked a significant milestone in enhancing SICHN’s public image and outreach impact.
PTV AND SINDH TV
SICHN team proudly participated in PTV and Sindh TV’s Ramzan transmission, highlighting our mission, child health services, and donation appeal to support underprivileged children across Sindh.
SET TV AND GTV
The SICHN team, along with Executive Director Prof Syed Jamal Raza, appeared on SET TV and GTV’s Ramzan transmissions, highlighting our child healthcare initiatives and their impact across Sindh
JJ TV AND CHANNEL 5
eam participated in Aaj TV and 5 Ramzan transmissions, where they showcased the institute’s mission, free child healthcare services, and urged viewers to contribute through donations and zakat
SICHN HOSTS IFTAR GATHERINGS ACROSS NETWORK HOSPITALS
Sindh Institute of Child Health & Neonatology (SICHN) Network hosted official Iftar dinners across its hospitals in Karachi, Sukkur, and Shaheed Benazirabad The gatherings brought together doctors, staff, and teams in the spirit of unity and gratitude Prof Syed Jamal Raza and Dr Shahid Raza graced the events as guests of honor, appreciating everyone’s dedication
SICHN RAMZAN REFLECTIONS
SUKKUR
SHAHEED BENAZIRABAD KARACHI
SICHN LEADS NEONATAL HYPOTHYROIDISM SCREENING ACROSS SINDH
The SICHN Central Laboratory, headed by Dr Afzal Saeed, is conducting a special project on Neonatal Screening for Hypothyroidism, a crucial test for early detection and prevention of lifelong developmental delays So far, 1,851 screenings have been performed across SICHN facilities, including JPMC, Korangi, Sukkur, and Nawabshah. This initiative underscores SICHN’s leadership in advancing pediatric healthcare through early intervention, ensuring a healthier start for newborns across Sindh
RESEARCH
REDCAP FOR RESEARCH EXCELLENCE
SICHN has successfully deployed REDCap, a secure, web-based data capture platform, through collaborative efforts between its Research and IT departments Led by Research Specialist Sher Wali Khan and Research Associate Aqsa, the SICHN Research Team worked closely with the IT unit to implement this powerful tool. With real-time access, streamlined data collection, and enhanced analytics, REDCap marks a vital step toward advancing research excellence and improving patient outcomes across SICHN’s expanding network of pediatric and neonatal care facilities
PUBLICATIONS
CASE REPORT: PAKISTAN PEDIATRIC JOURNAL
Published in Pakistan Pediatric Journal, the case report titled "Double Trouble: Meckel's Diverticulum Coexisting with Exomphalos Minor in a Neonate" by Ayeza Ali, Fayaz Ahmad, Hassan Jabbar, Aqsa Majeed, and Prof Syed Rehan Ali presents a rare and medically significant neonatal case It documents, for the first time in Pakistan, the coexistence of Meckel’s diverticulum with exomphalos minor, offering valuable insight into complex congenital anomalies and reinforcing the importance of early diagnosis and surgical intervention
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
Dear Readers,
Published in Cureus (2025), the original article titled "The Effect of Endotracheal Tube (ETT) Tip Position on Lung Aeration in Term and Preterm Neonates: A Comparative Analysis" explores the critical role of accurate ETT placement for neonatal lung aeration Authored by Muhammad Azeem Khan, Faraz Ahmed, Sana Memon, Lamia Batool Rizvi, Hina Mohsin, Aisha Afzal, Sher Wali Khan, and Prof Syed Rehan Ali, the study was conducted at the Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology (SICHN), reflecting its growing research leadership.
The first quarter of 2025 marks a dynamic new chapter for SICHN With renewed passion and a clear vision, we build upon the achievements of 2024 and move forward with a stronger commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare to children especially the underprivileged Our efforts are guided by the visionary leadership of Prof Syed Jamal Raza, who continues to inspire progress and excellence across the network We look forward to reaching new milestones together Share your feedback, stories, and suggestions with us at anum.shakeel@sichn.com.pk.
Warm regards,
Anum Shakeel
Head of Media and Communications
Editor - SICHN Newsletter
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