معرفی
Heena Akbar is a researcher at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), specializing in public health with a focus on diabetes management among Pasifika women. She holds a PhD from QUT (2018) and has conducted extensive community-based research using the Talanoa methodology to explore health disparities and self-management strategies in culturally diverse populations. Her work emphasizes culturally sensitive interventions, including the Pasifika Women’s Diabetes Wellness Program (PWDWP), and addresses food security challenges faced by Māori and Pasifika communities in Australia. Akbar collaborates with international organizations and has contributed to policy-oriented initiatives such as the Pasifika Diabetes Health Forum, aiming to bridge gaps in healthcare access for marginalized groups. She has authored over 30 peer-reviewed articles, conference proceedings, and reports, reflecting her commitment to advancing equitable healthcare practices through participatory research.
- Expertise: Diabetes Management, Cultural Health Practices, Community Participatory Research
- Key Contributions: Development of PWDWP, Talanoa-based methodologies, food security advocacy
Her research spans interdisciplinary collaborations, integrating social sciences with public health to address systemic inequities in healthcare delivery. Akbar’s work has been showcased in venues such as the International Diabetes Federation Congress and the East-West Center Graduate Conference.
