Abrar is a medical epidemiologist, having more than 18 years’ experience in the health sector with governmental, non-governmental and international health organizations. He has a substantial experience of public health programs and infectious diseases research, having worked in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Tuberculosis Control Programs for many years. Currently he is working as a Senior Lecturer in the School of Population, University of New South Wales Australia. He is the director of Master of Infectious Diseases Intelligence (MIDI) Program. His research interests include epidemiology and control of infectious diseases, focusing on emerging and re-emerging infections. He has published more than 110 journal papers, one book chapter, three government reports and 12 conference papers/abstracts during last 8 years. He has generated significant knowledge around the use of face masks to protect from infectious diseases, which has influenced policy and practice internationally. The impact of his work on face masks has been huge during the COVID-19 pandemic.