Member Spotlight Q&A

What started your interest in Blood Transfusion?

My journey into the field of blood transfusion began in 2007 when I joined Pakistan’s premier tertiary care hospital, the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), as a Medical Laboratory Technologist. By chance rather than choice, I was posted to the hospital’s blood bank, a move that would ultimately define my career path. During the first few weeks at the blood bank, I found myself on the frontlines during a major armed confrontation between militants and state forces (Lal Masjid siege). Working tirelessly for three consecutive days and nights to ensure the availability and safety of blood for the injured was an intense yet deeply fulfilling experience. It was at that moment of crisis that I realized: this is where I truly belong. My interest further deepened when

I was selected for advanced training in immunohaematology in Karachi. Upon returning, I began teaching at the College of Medical Technology, PIMS, which allowed me to combine hands-on practice with academic mentorship. During this period, a pivotal moment came when the German government initiated a feasibility study to support the Ministry of Health in the centralization of Pakistan’s blood services. I had the unique opportunity to interact with the visiting experts, Prof. Cees Th. Smit Sibinga, Dr. Ralf Knels, and Peter Heimer. Their vision and insights into structured, centralized, and quality-assured blood services significantly broadened my perspective and ignited a strong passion for contributing to systemic improvements in transfusion medicine. I became informally involved in the early planning stages of what would later become a landmark project in Pakistan’s healthcare system, the National Blood Transfusion Project (NBTP).

How did this interest develop and what are your main topics of interest now?

My initial interest in blood transfusion, sparked during my time as a laboratory professional in a hospital blood bank, evolved rapidly into a deep professional commitment when I joined the National AIDS Control Programme in 2009. There, I was entrusted with heading the National HIV/STI Referral Laboratory while also serving as the Focal Person for the establishment of the NBTP. When the Federal Health Minister formally announced the launch of the NBTP in June 2010, I was appointed as part of the founding core team. My primary responsibilities involved close coordination with international development partners, particularly the German agencies (GIZ and KfW), WHO, and with provincial stakeholders to oversee the development of a nationwide network of Regional Blood Centres and linked Hospital Blood Banks. This role took me across Pakistan, including to remote and underserved regions such as Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, FATA, and Afghan border, where I worked closely with local authorities to strengthen their blood systems.

I also played a pivotal role in operationalizing the Blood Transfusion Authorities (BTAs) in these regions and served as Secretary of the Islamabad Blood Transfusion Authority from 2013 to 2020. During 2010 to 2023, I also served as a consultant and advisor to multiple international partners, including the WHO, GIZ, GFA, and KfW. In 2011, I undertook a study visit to Europe to gain insights into the functioning of established blood systems. I spent time at Sanquin in the Netherlands (Amsterdam and Groningen), the German Red Cross (Berlin, Plauen, Dresden, Cottbus, and Hamburg), and the National Blood Bank of the Czech Republic in Prague. These experiences enriched my understanding of structured, high-quality blood services and helped shape my contributions back home. Over the years, I co-authored Pakistan’s National Guidelines for Quality Control in Transfusion Medicine, contributed to the drafting of new blood safety legislation (now adopted across all confederating units), and led the formulation of Pakistan’s national HIV testing strategy.

I also served as Managing Editor of two key publications: the Ministry of Health’s monthly newsletter on the National Safe Blood Transfusion Project (with over 90 editions published between 2010-2020), and the quarterly newsletter of the Asian Association of Transfusion Medicine (2014-2015). These communication platforms helped unify and inform the national and regional transfusion communities, establishing transfusion medicine as a recognized and prioritized health sector component in Pakistan. My core interests in the field now include system governance and regulation of blood services, transfusion-transmitted infections, research, quality assurance, and the promotion of voluntary non-remunerated blood donation.

What have been the most rewarding times in your career?

There have been several milestones in my career that I hold close to my heart. One of the earliest was the publication of my first research article in 2009, which focused on the prevalence of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) in Pakistan. This marked the beginning of my research journey into the field of transfusion medicine. In 2012, having my first abstract accepted for presentation at the ISBT Congress in Cancun, Mexico, was both encouraging and inspiring. The following year, I was honored to receive the AATM Fellowship in Transfusion Medicine, which provided me with advanced training at the National Blood Centre in Colombo, Sri Lanka. I was also privileged to receive the Harold Gunson Fellowship Award for Young Investigators at two consecutive ISBT Congresses: in 2014 in Seoul, South Korea, presented by ISBT President Dr. Peter Flanagan (of New Zealand), and again in 2015 in London, UK, presented by ISBT President Dr. Celso Bianco (of USA). These recognitions served as strong motivators to continue striving for excellence in the field.

In 2017, I was listed among the ‘Productive Scientists of Pakistan’ by the Ministry of Science & Technology. So far, I have authored more than 150 research articles besides authoring six handbooks, one book chapter, 14 technical manuals including Pakistan’s national standards and guidelines, and co-authoring a milestone joint publication – the National Blood Policy and Strategic Framework for Pakistan. However, the most humbling and rewarding moment of my career came in 2024 when I was conferred the Presidential Civil Award by the President of Pakistan, H.E. Dr. Arif Alvi. On this occasion, he remarked: “Thank you, Dr. Usman, for your services to the country. I am saying this in my capacity as the Head of State and also as a medical professional. Keep it up.” This national recognition was a profound honor and reaffirmed my commitment to advancing transfusion medicine both nationally and globally.

What role have you been involved in within ISBT, how has this impacted your life?

I have been a proud member of the ISBT since 2012. Over the years, my engagement with ISBT has grown steadily and meaningfully, shaping both my professional outlook and global network in transfusion medicine. In 2015, I joined the Donors and Donation Working Party, where I had the opportunity to contribute to discussions and initiatives aimed at promoting voluntary non-remunerated blood donation worldwide, and the TTI Working Party where we discussed emerging pathogens that guided us to start a few studies in Pakistan. In 2019, I became a member of the Global Blood Safety Working Party, which allowed me to engage with international experts working toward enhancing the safety and quality of blood systems globally.

Most recently, in January 2024, I was honored to be appointed Co-Chair of the “Need vs Demand” Sub-Group within the Global Blood Safety Working Party. This role is particularly significant as it focuses on addressing a critical issue in blood services, aligning blood supply with actual clinical need rather than perceived or estimated demand. Working on this agenda has provided a platform to share insights from Pakistan’s experience and learn from global best practices. Being actively involved in ISBT has profoundly impacted my professional journey. It has broadened my perspective, strengthened my technical expertise, and promoted lasting collaborations and friendships with colleagues from around the world. Above all, it has reaffirmed my commitment to contributing to safe, equitable, and sustainable blood transfusion systems, both nationally and globally.