The Akhter Hameed Khan Foundation (AHKF) is successfully bridging critical gaps in access to primary healthcare, particularly in low-income urban settlements. 35,000 households are successfully reached out for healthcare-related services in underserved urban communities between December 2025 and March 2026 and aim to expand their reach to 100,000 households in the coming months.
The outreach carried out in low-income settlements, including Dhoke Hassu, Rawalpindi and Orangi, Karachi, was part of the organization’s ongoing work to improve access to primary healthcare.
Established in 2010, AHKF implements an integrated, community-based model that works within underserved communities to drive holistic development. The organization connects households with both public and private services to improve access not only to healthcare, but also to digital literacy, financial empowerment, recycling and waste management, and innovative solutions for climate-resilient housing and infrastructure. This approach is anchored by a network of over 400 locally trained women, known as “Aapis,” who engage directly with households, provide essential guidance, and facilitate linkages to critical services. At the core of this model are smart digital systems that enable real-time data collection, monitoring, and visualization, allowing the organization to track emerging trends and respond proactively. These systems not only strengthen program implementation but also generate actionable insights that support organizations and policymakers in making timely, evidence-based decisions.
Dr. Ayesha Khan, Chief Executive Officer, AHKF, while speaking on the occasion, said ‘’This milestone highlights both the scale of need and the potential of community-led approaches in improving access to care. As we aim towards reaching 100,000 households, the priority will be to sustain quality, strengthen referral pathways, and ensure continuity of care.”
The organization also used digital tools to support early screening and case tracking. Since January 2026, more than 3,000 referrals for diabetes and hypertension screening have been recorded, with its broader work reaching over 1.5 million individuals in approximately 163,000 households served to date.
With healthcare needs continuing to grow in underserved urban communities, expanding last-mile access and strengthening linkages between communities and formal health systems remains a critical priority. AHKF remains committed to advancing sustainable, community-driven solutions that promote healthier lives across Pakistan.
