The Virtual University of Pakistan (VU), in collaboration with the Aga Khan University (AKU), successfully concluded a two-day workshop on “Implementation Science for Vector Borne Disease Control: Learning for Action”. It was held on October 26–27, 2026, at the VU Islamabad Campus.

The workshop brought together participants from diverse disciplines to tackle a key public health question: how do we make sure proven interventions actually reach communities and work in real-world settings?

Day 1 introduced the foundations of implementation science. Sessions covered implementation outcomes, strategies and determinants, with practical examples. Participants then practiced developing their own implementation questions in moderated group exercises.

Day 2 moved from theory to application. Sessions covered implementation science frameworks, a case study of an applied framework, and how to develop, match, select and specify implementation strategies. Participants also got an introduction to qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods designs, followed by a “Choose Your Own Design” practice session.

The workshop was facilitated by the AKU team: Dr. Imran Naeem, Dr. Mohammad Zeeshan, Zahida Azizullah and Humaira Shafaq. Dr. Anjuli Wagner contributed through recorded sessions.

The closing ceremony featured remarks by Prof. Dr. Tanveer Hussain, Director ORIC, and a vote of thanks by Dr. Imran Naeem. Rector Prof. Dr. Arshad Saleem Bhatti and Prof. Dr. Tanveer Hussain then presented certificates to participants. A token of appreciation was given to the AKU workshop team for their dedication.

Our special thanks to everyone who made this workshop possible.