We are delighted to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr Muhammad Bilal Siddiqui on the successful defence of his doctoral thesis, entitled “Application of Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) to Investigate Under-Five Mortality in Karachi, Pakistan.” This remarkable achievement marks not only the culmination of years of dedicated research but also a significant contribution to the field of global public health.
A Thesis Rooted in Urgency and Innovation
Child mortality continues to be a critical global health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where inadequate vital statistics systems impede the development of effective interventions. Dr Bilal’s research rises to meet this challenge by validating and applying an integrated Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) tool in the complex urban context of Karachi, Pakistan.
Combining both biological and non-biological determinants of under-five deaths, this mixed-methods study provides a holistic lens into the causes and circumstances surrounding child mortality. Analysing 387 cases through structured tools and in-depth interviews, Dr Bilal identified leading causes such as pneumonia and birth asphyxia, while also shedding light on key social determinants like financial hardship, maternal education, cultural beliefs, and health system gaps.
Importantly, this study demonstrates the feasibility, sensitivity, and emotional acceptability of the VASA tool, offering a scalable model for other high-burden settings. Its implications are profound: with accurate, multidimensional data, policymakers can craft interventions that truly reflect the lived realities of affected communities.
Celebrating a Track Record of Academic Excellence
Throughout his PhD journey, Dr Bilal has exhibited academic rigour and prolific scholarly output. He has authored and co-authored nine peer-reviewed publications, including articles in Plos One, Journal of Women and Child Health, and International Journal of Endorsing Health Sciences Research (IJEHSR).
His publications address methodological advances, validation protocols, field challenges, and the need for conceptual frameworks to guide social autopsy practices. Together, these works form a robust foundation for future research and implementation of VASA methodologies in resource-limited settings.
Impacting Public Health in Pakistan and Beyond
Dr Siddiqui’s work holds transformative potential for public health systems in Pakistan and similar contexts. By identifying both medical and social contributors to child deaths, his research advocates for integrated, equity-focused strategies. This evidence can empower ministries of health, NGOs, and development partners to design context-sensitive interventions, bridging the gap between data and action.
As Pakistan strives toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 on child health and survival, tools like VASA are indispensable. Dr Siddiqui’s contribution paves the way for more responsive, empathetic, and effective health systems.
Acknowledgement
We wish to acknowledge the invaluable guidance and mentorship provided by Dr Muhammad Bilal Siddiqui’s supervisors, Professor Dr Victor CW Hoe and Professor Dr Low Wah Yun and Dr Ng Chiu Wan, whose expertise and support were instrumental in the completion of his thesis.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Professor Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Professor Dr Muhammad Zafar Iqbal Hydrie of Dow University of Health Sciences, who served as external examiners, and to Professor Dr Noran Naqiah Mohd Hairi from Universiti Malaya as the internal examiner.
We would also like to thank the Committee of Examiners for their thorough evaluation and insightful feedback, including Professor Dr Tan Maw Pin, Chairperson of the viva voce session; Associate Professor Dr Anand a/l Sanmugam, Deputy Dean (Postgraduate), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya; and Associate Professor Dr ‘Abqariyah Yahya@Ahmad Noor, Programme Coordinator.
Looking Ahead
As Dr Bilal steps forward from this milestone, we are confident that his work will continue to shape research, policy, and practice in child health. Whether through further academic pursuits, collaborative projects, or community-based interventions, the foundation he has laid through his PhD is both solid and visionary.
Congratulations, Dr Muhammad Bilal Siddiqui: your commitment to child health and evidence-based action is an inspiration to scholars, practitioners, and policymakers alike. We eagerly anticipate the next chapter of your impactful journey.
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