KARACHI, April 6 (ABC): Aga Khan University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Sindh to support nursing education in Tando Muhammad Khan, in collaboration with the provincial health department and the district administration.

Under the agreement, the partnership will facilitate the launch of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing programme in the district, with the first cohort of around 50 students expected to enroll in 2027.

The initiative reflects a strategic public–private collaboration aimed at expanding access to quality nursing education in rural Sindh. Through this partnership, AKU will bring its academic expertise and experience to help strengthen the delivery of nursing education in underserved areas.

Pakistan continues to face a significant shortage of trained nursing professionals, particularly in rural and remote regions. Globally, the shortage is also acute. According to the World Health Organization, there is a shortfall of nearly six million nurses worldwide, with the largest gaps in low- and middle-income countries.

In Pakistan, the nurse-to-population ratio remains low, with only around five nurses per 10,000 people, highlighting the urgent need for investment in training and capacity building.

Commenting on the initiative, Dr Salimah R. Walani, Dean of the AKU School of Nursing and Midwifery, said the collaboration reflects a continued commitment to raising the standards of the nursing profession in Pakistan.

Sindh Minister for Health and Population Welfare Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho said the partnership would help address healthcare access challenges in underserved districts by strengthening the local health system and creating training and employment opportunities.

President AKU Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin said the agreement represents a step toward enhancing collaboration between academic institutions and government to improve healthcare delivery at scale.