PHANZ WELCOMES NEW COUNCIL MEMBER

The Public Health Association of New Zealand (PHANZ) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr Jalal Mohammed to the Executive Council and warmly welcome him into the governance waka of our organisation. 

Dr Mohammed is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Health at the University of Canterbury. He brings nearly two decades of experience across public health, education, health systems management, and research. His expertise spans Pacific health systems, health service decentralisation, and health system strengthening across low- and middle-income countries. Jalal has also held senior academic and leadership roles at Auckland University of Technology and the University of Fiji and regularly advises international agencies including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

He is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the ACHSM Silver Fern Award for Excellence in Health Service Leadership and Management (2024), and the 2025 Faculty of Health Teaching Award from the University of Canterbury.

“We’re thrilled to have Jalal join us,” says PHANZ Co-President Nari Faiers. “His insights and lived commitment to equity in Pacific and global health will add enormous value to the mahi of PHANZ. He brings both academic rigour and strong sector relationships that will help strengthen our voice and impact nationally and internationally.”

Reflecting on his appointment, Dr Mohammed shared, “I’m honoured to contribute to the vital work of PHANZ, especially at a time when public health faces significant challenges and opportunities. I look forward to supporting our shared mission to advance equity, strengthen the workforce, and embed Te Tiriti in all aspects of our work.”

We look forward to working with Dr Mohammed and are excited about the expertise and leadership he brings to the Council.