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Last March, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak to be a global pandemic. After 12 months of mixed emotions and disruption to our lives, what have we learned, and where do we go from here?

Art historians and enthusiasts often recognize the 10th through 13th centuries as a period that marked an increase in the usage of symmetrical, geometric patterns in the Muslim world. Most likely aided by Muslim mathematicians, artists and artisans produced a large variety of designs. Many of these geometric models developed interpretations of ornament that embody metaphysical intent.

Afghan midwife and nurse Shukria Hussaini was born in 1990 during the Civil War in Afghanistan. Very quickly after seeking asylum in Pakistan, she became familiar with the work of AKDN and the Jamati institutions, particularly the educational sectors that focused on English learning. Today, Shukria finds herself on the World Health Organization’s list of 100 Outstanding Nurses and Midwives.

When choosing to breastfeed, new mothers are often faced with uncertainty on how to best support their baby’s health. What should a breastfeeding mother’s diet look like? Is it safe to consume caffeine? What about other medications? Covid-19 further complicated breastfeeding, adding the question of whether the virus could be spread through a mother’s breast milk. Dr Shela Hirani was recently recognised as one of the World Health Organization’s 100 Outstanding Women Nurses and Midwives for her work in supporting breastfeeding practices during the global pandemic.

Neelam Punjani graduated from the Aga Khan University as a nurse and has gone on to expand the boundaries of women’s reproductive health in Pakistan through her clinical experience and research. Now, she has appeared on the World Health Organization’s list of 100 Outstanding Nurses and Midwives.