Malabika demonstrates female leadership in action. Her work is deeply rooted in human rights frameworks. As the Director of Research at the BRAC School of Public Health in Bangladesh she teaches, conducts research, and oversees research activities. Bangladesh has been described as an “exceptional health performer” despite low spending on health care, a weak health system, and widespread poverty. Through her work in the country, she is documenting these improvements, identifying areas of weakness, and recommending ways forward. Her work is embedded within policy and practice in Bangladesh and has real impact on the ground.
“BRAC launched a ‘maternity waiting home’ for women with high-risk pregnancy from remote villages. In 1993, a woman named Banu was admitted with her ninth pregnancy. At the home, she was restless and kept talking about how her children would suffer without her. She left after a day. Three days later, I received news that she was at the hospital with obstructed labour. The baby died and after the craniotomy, Banu had tried to walk the 6km home and passed away on the way. After this, I realized the complexity of public health and how simply addressing a patient’s clinical needs isn’t enough.”
