As part of its week-long World Children’s Day celebrations, the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) organised a spirited “Walk for Children’s Rights” at the AKU Sports and Rehabilitation Centre (SRC) Walking Track. The event brought together children, parents, students, teachers, doctors, staff, and the wider community in a powerful demonstration of support for children’s wellbeing, protection, and empowerment.
The walk served as a highlight of AKUH’s week-long celebrations, which featured thoughtfully curated activities across multiple paediatric and outpatient spaces. Throughout the week, children participated in play therapy sessions in paediatric wards, student-led debates, and creative showcases designed to encourage expression, confidence, and learning.
Activities were also held across AKUH’s Off-Campus Hospitals in Karimabad, Garden, Kharadar, and Hyderabad. Special engagements in outpatient clinics brought moments of joy to children and families visiting for care, ensuring that celebrations extended across all hospital services and touched communities beyond the main campus.
The flagship walk at the SRC Walking Track brought energy and colour to the day, featuring a lively marching band, firefighting demonstrations, placards created by students, and a student video showcase uplifting the voices of young participants. Each element reinforced this year’s theme, highlighting the importance of nurturing safe, inclusive, and creative spaces for children.
Dr. Ali Faisal Saleem, Consultant and Vice Chair, Paediatrics and Child Health, said, “Children deserve environments where they feel protected, encouraged, and cared for. Events like these remind us that safeguarding children’s rights is not just a responsibility but a moral obligation. We must continue working together to build a world where every child can flourish.”
Dr. Fyezah Jehan, Chair, Paediatrics and Child Health, added: “World Children’s Day allows us to amplify the voices of our youngest community members. Through education, advocacy, and engagement, we aim to support families and communities in raising healthier, happier children. This walk symbolises unity, awareness, and a shared commitment to our future generations.”
AKUH’s annual World Children’s Week reaffirmed the Hospital’s mission to champion children’s health, learning, and wellbeing. Through creative, therapeutic, educational, and community-driven programming, AKUH continues its longstanding commitment to building safe, inclusive, and empowering environments for all children.
