BDS (University of Karachi, Pakistan) MBA (Healthcare Management, DUHS, Pakistan) MSc (Health Policy & Management, Aga Khan University, Pakistan) PhD (Population & Public Health, Aga Khan University, Pakistan) Postdoctoral Researcher (University of Limerick, Ireland)
Dr Samnani is a public health and nutrition professional who brings together hands-on programme leadership and strong research expertise to design, strengthen, and scale evidence-based nutrition interventions. With over a decade of experience across humanitarian and development settings, my work focuses on translating rigorous research into practical, system-level solutions that improve population nutrition and address malnutrition in all its forms.
Dr Samnani is currently working as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Limerick, contributing to an interdisciplinary initiative supporting Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger. My role combines applied research, programme design, and implementation science, with a particular emphasis on leveraging digital health and routine data systems to strengthen Food Security and Nutrition (FS&N) programmes. This work targets vulnerable populations—including mothers, children, adolescents, and older adults—in Uganda and responds to emerging challenges such as nutrition transition, obesity, and the double burden of malnutrition.
His Ph.D. at Aga Khan University focused on preschool preparedness within the Nutrition-Friendly School Initiative, using a mixed-methods approach to generate actionable evidence for programme improvement and policy dialogue. This research reinforced his commitment to early-life and life-course approaches as critical entry points for preventing diet-related non-communicable diseases and improving long-term health outcomes.
Across his career, Dr Samnani have actively contributed to peer-reviewed publications and collaborative research, while remaining deeply engaged in programme realities. He is driven by a strong belief that research should inform action, and that effective nutrition programmes must be grounded in robust evidence, responsive health systems, and equity-focused policies.
Dr Samnani ambition is a world free from hunger, where integrated nutrition and health systems support lifelong wellness and equity for all.
