What We Do

Nearly half of the world’s population — more than 3.5 billion people — live on less than $2.50 a day. More than 700 million people live in extreme poverty (less than USD $1.90 a day), the majority of whom are in Africa and Asia.

Aga Khan Foundation Canada tackles the root causes of this poverty through a holistic and interconnected set of programs. These initiatives address people’s most pressing needs and enable them to unlock their full potential, with a particular focus on marginalized groups like women and girls.

Our programs aim to ensure access to high-quality education and health care, ensure food security, improve economic well-being, and develop resilient communities and societies. We bring together human, financial, and technical resources to some of the poorest and most marginalized communities, with an emphasis on women and girls, investing in human potential, expanding opportunity, and improving quality of life.

Build on what is there: One doctor’s path to giving back

Dr. Zahir Moloo recently returned from a visit to northern Pakistan, where he helped set up pathology labs at two Aga Khan Medical Centres.

A collage of headshots from the 2022 International Youth Fellows.

Meet the Fellows of 2022

Since 1989, more than 500 young Canadians have participated in AKFC’s International Youth Fellowship, a program that has launched diverse

Setting a new standard for adolescent health and wellbeing in Khorog, Tajikistan

As youth mentors, Pokizamo and Gulbahor train their peers to be better prepared for all of life’s changes as teens transition from childhood to adulthood.

Broadening Economic & Social Transformation for Women’s Economic Empowerment & Recovery (BEST4WEER) 

BEST4WEER aims to improve women’s social and economic empowerment during the process of COVID-19 recovery and rebuilding.

Mufida holds her phone and looks into the camera. She is wearing a colourful headscarf.

Meet Mufida, the first midwife in her community

Mufida is a community midwife in rural Pakistan. She is the only community midwife in her village, which is located

Volunteering and saving lives: Meet Gul Mahoor

Gul Mahoor volunteers as manager of her community’s health relief fund in Pakistan.

Afghanistan today: An interview with Dr. Najmuddin Najm, CEO of AKF Afghanistan

An insight into the current crisis in Afghanistan, how AKF is responding and why hope endures.

A solar panel outside a village house in Pemba, Mozambique.

Accelerating Women Climate Entrepreneurs (AWCE)

AWCE contributes to poverty reduction by identifying and promoting good practices to support women entrepreneurs in climate-related value chains.

In A Heartbeat: Expanding possibilities

In this short film, we learn how facilities like this one in Montepuez are growing to accommodate the needs of young Mozambicans.