Abu Syem Md Shahin

Dr. Abu Syem Md Shahin is the Implementation Director for the USAID Bhitti Activity, a flagship initiative led by RTI to strengthen local level health systems in Bangladesh. With over 15 years of progressive experience, he is a distinguished health professional specializing in the design and implementation of evidence-based primary healthcare and health system strengthening interventions in both development and humanitarian contexts. In his current role, Dr. Shahin ensures the seamless delivery of high-quality interventions, fostering equitable access to health services and contributing to the broader goal of universal health coverage in Bangladesh.
Prior to joining RTI, Dr. Shahin served as the Health Program Lead for the International Rescue Committee in Bangladesh, where he provided strategic vision and technical leadership across diverse health initiatives. His portfolio included primary healthcare, mental health, and non-communicable diseases, with a strong focus on improving health system functionality, empowering communities, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Shahin held several key roles at Plan International, where he contributed significantly to maternal, newborn, and child health, sexual and reproductive health, and urban nutrition programs in Bangladesh. His technical expertise and innovative approaches helped shape impactful health strategies. Additionally, he conducted impactful research as a fellow at the International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) and served as an adjunct and full-time faculty member at various universities and colleges, where he shared his wealth of knowledge with aspiring public health professionals.

Dr. Shahin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Dentistry, an MSc in Public Health with distinction from the University of East London, specializing in Global Health and Health Promotion, and an Executive Master’s in Health Economics from the University of Dhaka. This diverse educational foundation and extensive professional experiences equip him with a multidimensional understanding of public health systems, enabling him to excel in addressing complex health challenges while driving sustainable health system transformations.