My research focuses on improving global health by addressing healthcare access, early-life health influences, and disease prevention. We analyze healthcare inequalities using large surveys and advanced statistics to support policies for Universal Health Coverage. Our work also explores how early-life exposures impact long-term health and developmental outcomes through cohort studies. Additionally, we investigate how lifestyle and environmental factors contribute to cancer and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a critical global health goal and a key target under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. UHC aims to ensure that all individuals have access to quality healthcare services without suffering financial hardship. Our research focuses on understanding the progress, and challenges in achieving UHC, with a special emphasis on Asian countries. Using publicly available nationally representative household surveys—such as the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS), Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), and WHO STEPwise approach to NCD risk factor surveillance (STEPS)—we employ advanced statistical techniques such as Bayesian modeling to analyze trends, disparities, and key drivers of healthcare inequities. Our goal is not just to measure progress but to drive meaningful change by identifying actionable policy recommendations that can help bridge healthcare gaps, improve financial risk protection, and ensure equitable healthcare access for all.

• UHC in Bangladesh: "Trends in, and projections of, indicators of universal health coverage in Bangladesh, 1995–2030: a Bayesian analysis of population-based household data." The Lancet Global Health. Volume 6, Issue 1, January 2018, PP. e84-e94. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(17)30413-8
• UHC in Vietnam: "Trends in, projections of, and inequalities in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health service coverage in Vietnam 2000-2030: A Bayesian analysis at national and sub-national levels." The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific. Volume 15, October 2021, 10020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanwpc.2021.100230
• UHC in Myanmar: "Progress towards universal health coverage in Myanmar: a national and subnational assessment." The Lancet Global Health. Volume 6, Issue 9, September 2018, PP. e989-e997. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/s2214-109x(18)30318-8
• UHC in Ghana: "Trends and projections of universal health coverage indicators in Ghana, 1995-2030: A national and subnational study." PLOS ONE 14(5): e0209126. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0209126
• Immunization coverage in LMICs: "Trends and projections of age-appropriate vaccination coverage in 41 low- and middle- income countries in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, 2000–2030." Front. Public Health , 09 May 2024 Sec. Infectious Diseases: Epidemiology and Prevention Volume 12 - 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1371258

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, but the good news is that many cases can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices and early detection. Our research explores how modifiable lifestyle factors and environmental exposures influence the incidence, progression, and mortality outcomes attributable to cancer and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Utilizing large-scale cohort data from the Asia Cohort Consortium, we identify critical patterns and associations that help us better understand cancer and NCD risks and inform prevention strategies. Beyond risk factor identification, our research addresses disparities in cancer screening and early detection, aiming to bridge healthcare gaps. By integrating data from multiple cohorts, we develop evidence-based policies to enhance prevention strategies, particularly in Asian populations.

Researchers and students interested in research utilizing the pooled data Asia Cohort Consortium are encouraged to contact Dr. Rahman.

• Early detection of cervical cancer in Nepal: "Disparities and Determinants of Testing for Early Detection of Cervical Cancer among Nepalese Women: Evidence from a Population-Based Survey." Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev (2024) 33 (8): 1046–1056. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-24-0037
• Early detection of breast and cervical cancer in India: "Regional Variations and Inequalities in Testing for Early Detection of Breast and Cervical Cancer: Evidence From a Nationally Representative Survey in India." Journal of Epidemiology, Article ID JE20240065, Advance online publication September 07, 2024, Online ISSN 1349-9092, Print ISSN 0917-5040, DOI: https://doi.org/10.2188/jea.JE20240065

Early-life exposures play a crucial role in shaping long-term health and developmental trajectories, as prenatal conditions, birth factors, and early childhood experiences can have lasting effects on neurodevelopment and mental health. Understanding these influences is essential for identifying critical periods of vulnerability and opportunities for early intervention. Our research explores how early-life environmental factors, including prenatal exposures, birth conditions, and early childhood experiences, shape neurodevelopmental trajectories and long-term health outcomes. We also investigate the impact of early-life lifestyles on adolescent mental health. Using longitudinal data from the Hamamatsu Birth Cohort Study, we analyze how childhood exposures influence neurodevelopment and behaviours over time.

• Birth weight, genetic risk and ADHD: "Elevated risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Japanese children with higher genetic susceptibility to ADHD with a birth weight under 2000 g." BMC Med 19, 229 (2021). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-021-02093-3
• Developmental delay among children in Nepal: "Socioeconomic and education-based inequality in suspected developmental delays among Nepalese children: a subnational level assessment." Sci Rep 13, 4750 (2023). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-31629-1

Students and researchers passionate about global health, epidemiology, and biostatistics are invited to join our research team. Please contact me if you are interested in conducting research on universal health coverage and health disparities, investigating the impact of lifestyle on health and developmental outcomes, and exploring risk reduction or prevention strategies for cancer and other non-communicable diseases.