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The University of Michigan welcomed Princess Zahra Aga Khan and representatives from Aga Khan University‘s campuses in Pakistan and Kenya on Oct. 30.

Senior leadership from both universities formally signed a memorandum of understanding, powered by a $900,000 gift from AKU to U-M to expand ongoing collaborative efforts.

“Partnership is powerful,” Princess Zahra Aga Khan said. “The AKU/U-M Collaborative Platform for Improving Health builds on what is already a highly successful partnership between two institutions with common values and unique strengths. I look forward to seeing our faculty members continue to work together to deliver new tools and insights that can improve health in Africa, Asia and beyond.”

“The visit of Princess Zahra Aga Khan and the distinguished AKU delegation is a testament to the enduring bond between our institutions, founded on shared values and a common vision for a better world,” said U-M President Santa Ono. “This historic celebration is not only an opportunity to honor our past achievements but to set a course for an even brighter future of partnership and collaboration.”

The visit builds on a collaborative effort to use data science to improve health outcomes in under-resourced settings in sub-Saharan Africa that started in 2019 and was formalized with a signed Memorandum of Understanding in 2021. Their joint efforts have already yielded significant strides in strengthening health systems, informing health policy, utilizing technology to promote health equity and empowering women.