Dr. Sooraj Palijo is an experienced and accomplished health and nutrition manager/specialist having over 12 year’s progressively responsible experience in the field of Public Health. Skilled in public health education training and development with a special focus on Nutrition, Maternal Newborn Child Health Nutrition, and reproductive sexual health in the context of Sindh, Pakistan.
She possesses strong skills and experience in program design tools, management, monitoring, evaluation, report and proposal writing, and capacity development.
She has an in-depth understanding of Nutrition as well as HIV and infectious diseases as well as social, political, and public health trends in Pakistan and Sustainable development goalsProgressive experience in managing and coordinating with provincial Government and International Donor funded health and development projects as a cluster, district, provincial and national level role.
Strategic Planning and Implementation Support:
· Spearheaded strategic vision and provided technical expertise for the identification, design, implementation, and management of diverse health programs in Sindh, Pakistan. Notable projects included Mobile Medical Units, Mental Health Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), Gender-based Violence (GBV) initiatives for flood-affected communities, Revitalization and Solarization of EPI centers, Psychosocial Support for vulnerable children and their families, and WASH Projects in flood-affected districts of Sindh.
· Contributed significantly to strategic planning for upcoming health programs, showcasing a forward-thinking approach.
· Drafted comprehensive concepts for future funding, offering valuable technical input during proposal development.
· Pioneered efforts to integrate various health-related sectors into proposed programs, fostering a holistic and inclusive approach.
· Collaborated seamlessly with senior management and field health teams, ensuring the delivery of high-quality health services in the challenging context of flood-affected districts in Sindh.
Technical Leadership and Program Quality:
· Ensured the quality and appropriateness of medical interventions in IMC projects, demonstrating a commitment to excellence.
· Provided meticulous technical supervision and support for health programming activities, ensuring adherence to international best practices and guidelines.
· Oversaw rigorous data collection, analysis, and reporting for all health programs, upholding standards of accuracy and transparency.
Human Resources Capacity Building and Management:
· Developed the capacity and strengths of staff in crucial health programming areas, contributing to a skilled and motivated workforce.
· Supervised health staff, guaranteeing the proper implementation of health activities and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
· Orchestrated the selection, training, and management of program health staff, emphasizing skill development and teamwork.
· Identified training needs, organized, and oversaw training sessions, aligning the team with evolving industry standards.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:
· Championed the development of innovative M&E strategies and data collection methods, enhancing the organization's monitoring capabilities.
· Interpreted analyzed data, presented project progress, and proposed action plans, facilitating informed decision-making.
· Monitored and applied clinical-level data for national-level quality improvement efforts, contributing to enhanced program effectiveness.
Medical Logistics, Supply Chain, and Quality Assurance:
· Ensured the delivery of high-quality clinical services in IMC-supported health facilities through comprehensive oversight of staff training, pharmaceutical management, and overall service quality.
· Managed the timely and efficient deployment of medicines, consumables, and equipment, optimizing operational efficiency.
· Reviewed and managed procurement plans and budgets for medical commodities, ensuring cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
· Monitored stock quantities and expiry dates, ensuring the timely supply of medical items and preventing disruptions.
Representation and Coordination:
· Collaborated closely with the Pharmacy Manager to ensure effective pharmaceutical management, maintaining compliance with pharmacy guidelines, and ensuring the accuracy of monthly reports.
· Played a pivotal role in collaborating with the Senior Management Team and Health Technical Unit, fostering strong internal cohesion.
· Liaised effectively with key donor staff to maintain optimal programmatic relationships, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
· Represented IMC in national health coordination meetings, forums, and technical working groups, serving as a respected liaison with the Ministry of Health, UN agencies, and other partners.
· Demonstrated a strong presence by representing the organization in national health coordination meetings and technical working groups, reinforcing IMC's commitment to collaborative and impactful initiatives.
● Lead program nutrition outreach supporting clinics and integrated medical camps in marginalized populations of 5 districts of Sindh- develop overall project work plans and budgeting for field activities associated with donor requirements and provide guidance to the Field-based Health and Nutrition technical coordinators in their delivery of those requirements.
● Provided technical guidance and managerial support for Health System Strengthening and response to Covid-19 pandemic crises in the project partner/targeted districts of Sindh
● Reviewed project reporting schedules, templates, and requirements, and mentored and supervised the Health and Nutrition technical coordinators in their fulfillment of these requirements per donor standards in reporting.
● Reviewed the short- and long-range plans for delivery of project services
● Lead program development opportunities in coordination with the Provincial Coordinator and Chief Operating Officer PPHI related to Health and Nutrition, including ongoing assessment of current Health and Nutrition needs in the 5 target districts of Sindh: provision of technical input and budgetary input for
● Designed a new public health program in consultation with key stakeholders
● Developed PPHI Health and Nutrition monitoring systems and record-keeping methods that support routine Department of Health, interagency, and donor reporting.
● Review existing capacity-building plans with the technical team for enhancing skills in local health providers on delivery of primary care, Mobile Health Clinics, etc. Suggest additional skills training programs and systems for national and community health providers and support the Health and Nutrition technical team in establishing the training plan within budget resources.
● Supervised PPHI Health and Nutrition Team in a manner that supports the growth of internal leadership.
● Built PPHI Health and Nutrition Team technical skills, building opportunities, and mentorship.
Responsible for planning, overseeing, coordination, and follow-up of USAID-funded FALAH Project training conducted at national, provincial, and district levels for providing Client-Centered Birth Spacing Services, organized by the Jhpiego, Pakistan. Some of the key accomplishments are:
● Successfully undertaken assessment visits to target Nursing Institutes for their institutional strengthening e-learning, F.P skill lab.
● Successfully organized consultative meetings and professional training programs for LHVs and Doctors of partner organizations on quality assurance and Standard based Health Management reviews for Family Planning Services.
● Successfully monitored and evaluated the processes, outcomes, and impacts of professional development training on “Competency-Based Clinical Skills for IUCD and Tubal ligation” and Client-Centered Family Planning Services.
● Contributed to the development of teaching and learning materials for Midwives, Nurses, and LHVs.
Responsible for managing and promoting community-based health care program portfolio, developing respective program’s strategies and their core implementation plan of actions, and providing technical leadership and vision for initiating, conceptualizing, designing, and overseeing the implementation of HANDS’ own and donor-supported diverse health and nutrition promoting initiatives and schemes in the province of Sindh. Some of the key accomplishments:
● Conducted literature reviews for nutritional and health-promoting program needs of stakeholders and end-users
● Prepared detailed budget estimates for new proposals/plans with stakeholders Worked closely with grassroots NGOs, international donors, and Sindh Government’s line department
● Assisted HANDS’s partner in implementing NGOs in outlining and developing their scope of work (SOW) and performance measurement standards.
● Developed the conceptual RESEARCH FRAMEWORK of the Situation and risk Analysis of Health initiatives and coordinated periodic performance reviews with stakeholders; Developed Training Manuals on SRH, Health Management Committees, and Village Health Committee.
A collaboration between John Hopkins University USA and AKU Pakistan.
Title project “Pakistan Severe Anaemia Treatment trial” My accomplishments were:
● Progressively and proactively worked on surveillance of anaemic pregnant women of age 15 -45 years and anaemic young children of age 6 months -2 years and treat them according to protocol.
● Successfully monitored and supervised the CHWS community health, workers
● Conducted baseline and end interviews of study subjects and shifted data to the data center.
● Organized and conducted meetings with community leaders of target communities of the project area.
● Provided technical leadership, vision, and support to CHWS community health workers.
Major accomplishments and expertise include:
● Successfully managed and dealt with emergency care of sick, outpatient, and inpatient cancer.
● Actively performed routine medical procedures i.e., intravenous Chemotherapy
● Lumbar puncture, endotracheal intubations, and routine laboratory procedures.
● Supervised and monitored responsibilities of health workers and support staff
● Monitored and evaluated the performance of assigned health team/personnel weekly
● And developed a process of task scheduling and performance monitoring