On January 19, 2023, Dr Shela Hirani, Associate Professor at the University of Regina Faculty of Nursing, was was presented Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal and a Certificate by the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, the Honourable Russ Mirasty and MLA for Regina-Pasqua Mr Muhammad Fiaz at Government House. She was awarded the honour in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the province of Saskatchewan, Canada.
Dr Shela Hirani, an alumnus of the Aga Khan University and the University of Alberta, is actively involved in work surrounding the improvement of health equity, health systems, programs and policies that often negatively affect the health and well-being of marginalized and vulnerable groups of women and young children. Her breastfeeding advocacy efforts had led to a baby-friendly movement in diverse public places in Canada and beyond, including hospitals, post-secondary institutions, workplaces, airports, restaurants, public transit, shopping malls, and post-disaster settings. Her internationally, nationally and provincially funded research and work in improving access to breastfeeding support, education and guidance help ensure the health and well-being of mothers, especially those who face barriers and gaps in services, like newcomer, refugee, indigenous and homeless mothers and gender-diverse parents affected by poverty, homelessness, migration, displacement and disasters. Using her expertise, she is providing mentorship to undergraduate and graduate-level trainees in Canada and beyond, hence preparing the next generation of leaders in academia and research. Dr Hirani received various competitive research funding and more than 50 honours recognizing her outstanding research outputs, community services, academic pursuits, leadership, and contributions to the health of marginalized and vulnerable women
In 2020, she was recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the 100 outstanding women nurse and midwife leaders from around the world. She has an exceptional record of services locally, nationally and internationally. Currently, is serving as a chair of the Council Committee on Research at the University of Regina, an academic member of the Breastfeeding Committee of Saskatchewan and baby-friendly initiative coalition, and an academic editor of the global health and public health journals. She is serving as a council member from Saskatchewan for the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) Canada and is elected as a non-executive board of directors to the Council of International Neonatal Nurses (COINN).
The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (Saskatchewan) was created to celebrate the 70 th anniversary year of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne, which began on February 6, 2022. Prior to her passing, Her Majesty has graciously given her approval to the design of the medal and the ribbon. The medal is a tangible way for the province of Saskatchewan to honour Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for her service to Canada. It also recognizes Saskatchewan citizens of all ages, and from all walks of life, who have made contributions to Canada, Saskatchewan, or a particular community.
Ismailimail 
Heartiest felicitations to Dr. Shela Hirani on remarkable achievement.
LikeLike