K M Shahunja

Dr. K. M. Shahunja is a Research Fellow at the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health within the Faculty of Medicine at The University of Queensland (UQ). He is a physician and accomplished clinical researcher with extensive experience in Indigenous health, life-course epidemiology, and child health research. Dr. Shahunja is affiliated with the Life Course Centre at UQ and collaborates with the World Health Organization on longitudinal studies examining health and well-being across different life stages.

Dr. Shahunja earned his MBBS from Bangladesh, a Postgraduate Diploma in Paediatrics and Child Health from the UK, and completed his PhD at UQ, Australia. His doctoral research investigated the impact of familial and neighborhood dynamics on asthma symptoms in Australian children using a life-course approach. Since his post-doctoral period, he has focused on developing life-course interventions to improve the health of First Nations peoples in Australia and is currently working on an NHMRC-GACD Non-Communicable Disease Prevention project targeting Indigenous children and youth in Australian cities.

Dr. Shahunja's research spans multiple disciplines with a primary focus on Indigenous health, asthma in children, and non-communicable disease prevention. His work often employs longitudinal approaches to understand how environmental and social factors influence health trajectories. His recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on health disparities among vulnerable populations, particularly Indigenous communities, and children in developing countries. He has contributed significantly to the understanding of respiratory conditions, malnutrition, and infectious diseases in pediatric populations.

With over 60 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Shahunja has established himself as a prominent researcher in child health and Indigenous health. His work often involves international collaborations, particularly with researchers in Bangladesh where he conducted substantial research before joining UQ. His systematic reviews and meta-analyses have provided valuable insights into multimorbidity patterns and the impact of adverse childhood experiences on long-term health outcomes.

• Over 60 peer-reviewed journal articles
• 9 conference papers
• 1 PhD thesis
• 3 newspaper articles

Dr. Shahunja is actively involved in several significant research projects, including the NHMRC-GACD Non-Communicable Disease Prevention initiative focused on Indigenous children in urban Australia. His work with the World Health Organization explores longitudinal data sources across Australia to examine health and well-being associated with healthy aging. His research often bridges clinical practice with public health interventions, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Dr. Shahunja leads and participates in research teams focused on improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations. His work at the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health involves developing culturally appropriate interventions for First Nations communities. His international collaborations, particularly with researchers in Bangladesh, demonstrate his commitment to addressing global health challenges through cross-cultural research partnerships.