Sarang Khowaja’s journey from a small village in Sindh to becoming a key player in international humanitarian missions with Médecins Sans Frontières is nothing short of inspiring. He is a dedicated biomedical engineer with over 15 years of experience in some of the world’s most challenging environments. His story is one of resilience, passion and unwavering commitment to improving healthcare in crisis zones.
Excerpts from a recent interview follow:
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The News on Sunday: Please tell us about your early life and how you got started in your career.
Sarang Khowaja: I was born in Thatta Mirpur, Sindh. I received my early education in my village. Growing up in a small town, I was always curious about the world outside. This curiosity led me to pursue further studies in Karachi, where I enrolled at Mehran University. It was there that I earned my degree in biomedical engineering. After graduation, I interned at the Aga Khan University Hospital. This gave me a deep insight into the healthcare sector and solidified my interest in working towards improving medical infrastructure.
TNS: What motivated you to join the MSF and humanitarian work?
SK: After my internship, I worked for more than two years at a public hospital before joining a private company, Malir Services Engineering. However, I had always felt a strong calling to help those in dire need, especially in areas where medical care and infrastructure are lacking. When an opportunity arose to work with the MSF, I felt that it was the perfect way to combine my technical skills with my desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of people suffering in conflict zones and crisis areas.
TNS: Please tell us about your first mission with the MSF.
SK: My first mission with the MSF took me to Somalia, where I served as a biomedical engineer. It was a challenging but rewarding experience. Apart from ensuring the proper functioning of medical equipment, I took on logistical duties. Later I was made the logistics officer. The work was intense, especially during the measles outbreak when I was appointed as the Vaccination Logistics Officer-Manager. We had to ensure that the vaccination campaigns reached the most remote and vulnerable communities. The impact of our work was truly humbling.
TNS: Your role has varied from engineering to logistics. How do you manage transitions?
SK: In MSF work, versatility is key. My background in biomedical engineering gave me the technical foundation to contribute effectively in healthcare settings, but I quickly realised that humanitarian missions often require a range of skills. Transitioning into logistics was a natural progression. Logistics and biomedical engineering go hand-in-hand in crisis zones. Ensuring that resources are delivered and that teams have what they need to function is just as critical as maintaining the equipment. I developed this versatility quickly.
The situation on the ground can change rapidly. You need to be ready to make decisions on the fly. But the work we do in such regions gives hope to the people. It’s this hope that keeps me motivated.
TNS: In 2023, you were involved in the MSF flood relief efforts in Pakistan. Can you share that experience?
SK: Yes, the 2023 floods in Pakistan were devastating, particularly in Charsadda and Nowshera. The MSF’s efforts were crucial in distributing medical aid and supplies in the affected communities. I visited several MSF distribution points during this time. The scale of the destruction was unimaginable. It was heartbreaking to see how many people had lost everything. At the same time, it was incredibly rewarding to see how our work brought relief to those in need. The resilience of the affected people was inspiring. It reaffirmed my commitment to the cause.
TNS: You’ve spent a significant amount of time working in South Sudan. What challenges have you faced there? How has it shaped your approach to humanitarian work?
SK: I’ve been working in South Sudan for 15 years. It has been a long but fulfilling journey. The challenges are immense — from political instability to resource scarcity and the constant threat of conflict. Our work often takes us to high-risk environments, but that’s where MSF’s impact is most needed. I’ve had the privilege of serving as a logistics team leader in Pakistan as well as South Sudan, where ensuring that essential supplies reach the people who need them most is a constant priority.
What I’ve learned through my years in South Sudan is the importance of adaptability. The situation on the ground can change rapidly. You need to be ready to make decisions on the fly. The work we do in such regions gives hope to the people. It is this hope that keeps me motivated.
TNS: What’s next for you?
SK: The work with the MSF is far from over. I’m preparing to head back to Sudan, where the situation remains critical. I’ll continue to support the MSF’s mission in South Sudan, and I hope to bring more resources and expertise to the region. The challenges are great, but they only fuel my determination to continue the work we’re doing.
TNS: How do you feel about the future of humanitarian work, especially in conflict zones?
SK: I’m optimistic. The need for humanitarian aid will always be there. Organizations like the MSF play a vital role in providing care in the most difficult circumstances. Despite the challenges, the global community’s awareness and response to humanitarian crises have been improving. More people are stepping up, whether as volunteers or donors, and that gives me hope for the future.
The interviewer is a freelance journalist from Peshawar.