Dr. Akhtar’s research areas of interest include non-communicable diseases, global health, health system strengthening via value-based healthcare, and artificial intelligence in healthcare. At present, she is working in pediatric cardiology, with a concentration in congenital heart diseases and pediatric cardiac surgery. Her research objectives include helping reduce the high neonatal and infant mortality rates in LMICs through evidence-based interventions, and improving pediatric surgical access as part of the SDG 2030 agenda.