Pankaj Suthar

About Pankaj Suthar

Public Health professional with over 10+ years of progressive experience working with World Health Organization, UNICEF, and leading international development organizations across multiple states in India. My work spans disease surveillance, routine immunization, maternal and child health, nutrition, health systems strengthening, and program leadership in diverse and high-priority public health settings.Currently serving as a Surveillance Medical Officer (SMO) with WHO–NPSN in Rajasthan, with additional charge as Sub-Regional Team Leader (SRTL), I provide technical and managerial leadership to strengthen AFP and VPD surveillance, routine immunization systems, outbreak preparedness, and data-driven decision-making. I have extensive experience in mentoring field teams, supporting state and district health authorities, improving session quality, micro-planning, cold-chain management, and addressing gaps among zero-dose, dropout, and high-risk populations.I have played a key role in Mission Swasthya Tabariyo, a flagship district-led initiative focused on improving child health outcomes through intensified immunization, nutrition screening, and inter-departmental convergence. I have also supported CSR fund mobilization through advocacy, enabling enhanced outreach, logistics, and service delivery in hard-to-reach areas.My work includes technical support to district administrations for combating malnutrition and anaemia, fostering convergence between Health, ICDS, and allied departments. These collective, evidence-based efforts contributed to measurable improvements in nutrition indicators and were recognized with a Civil Services Award at the district level.Previously, I served as a Surveillance Medical Officer in Uttar Pradesh, where I led surveillance and control efforts under the Sanchari Rog Niyantran Karyakram, managed NTD-focused interventions, and supported polio eradication activities across the Varanasi Division. Earlier roles with UNICEF, The Earth Institute (Columbia University), and Jhpiego strengthened my foundation in NHM planning, maternal and newborn health, quality of care, HMIS/MCTS, capacity building, and implementation research.I bring a strong blend of field experience, program management, data analysis, stakeholder coordination, and policy-level engagement, with a commitment to strengthening public health systems and advancing equitable health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Experience

1. Surveillance Medical Officer (Smo) Who-npsn

   World Health Organization

   Apr 2026 — Present · New Delhi, IN

   Led Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance, ensuring timely case detection, investigation, and stool adequacy as per national standardsStrengthened Vaccine-Preventable Disease (VPD) surveillance including measles, rubella, diphtheria, neonatal tetanus, and typhoid surveillance through active case search and field validationProvided supportive supervision of Routine Immunization (RI) sessions, ensuring adherence to protocols, cold chain maintenance, and injection safetyConducted data analysis and monitoring of key surveillance indicators; identified gaps and supported evidence-based decision-makingFacilitated capacity building of frontline workers (ANMs, ASHAs, AWWs) through on-site training and mentoringSupported outbreak investigations and rapid response activities, including field visits, line listing, and response planningCoordinated with state and district health authorities and partners (WHO, UNICEF) for effective program implementationMapped and prioritized high-risk and underserved populations (urban slums, migratory groups) to improve immunization coverage and surveillance sensitivity

Education

• Jodhpur Dental College and General Hospital

  BDS, Dentistry

• Public Health Foundation of India

  Diploma of Education, monitoring & evaluation for health programs

  2014 — 2014

• World Health Organization - Country office for India

  Applied Epidemiology Program (AEP)

• All India Institute of Medical Sciences

  Executive Program in Public Health Policy, Leadership & Management, Organizational Leadership

• Jodhpur School of Public Health

  Master of Public Health (MPH), Public Health

Skills

• Hospitality Management
• Editorial Consulting
• Dentistry
• Prevention
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Excel
• Public Health
• Social Services
• Medical Training
• Data Analysis