The 14-year-old schoolgirl shot in the head by the Taliban and flown to a British hospital for treatment spent a "stable" night in hospital and has a chance of making "a good recovery," doctors have said.

Malala Yousafzai, from Pakistan, was transferred by air ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth in Birmingham yesterday.

On Tuesday evening a statement from the hospital said that Malala continues to make good progress under the care of specialist doctors.

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The plane carrying the teenager touched down on Monday afternoon

Medical Director Dr Dave Rosser said that the team had been “impressed with her strength and resilience”.

Her condition was described as “stable” and her response to treatment so far indicated that she could make a good recovery from her injuries.

On Monday Dr Anders Cohen, Chief of Neurosurgery at The Brooklyn Hospital Center, explained that Malala had passed "two major hurdles."

"The removal of the bullet and the very critical 48 hour window after surgery. She’s also showed some response, which is cause for cautious optimism, but she has a long way to go," he told the Huffington Post UK.

"Her age is also in her favour. A young person’s brain has more recovery ability than an older person."

The teenager's life was saved by neurosurgeons in a Pakistani military hospital and she has since been in intensive care.

She was attacked by the Taliban for promoting girls' education and criticising the militant group.

The teenager was shot on a bus in front of her friends in what Foreign Secretary William Hague described as a "barbaric attack".

Malala was only 11 when she started documenting how difficult it was to get an education: "I dreamt of a country where education would prevail," she wrote.

malala yousafzai

Nepalese students take part in a candlelight vigil to express their support for Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai


Her anonymous blog, first published by BBC Urdu, documented Taliban atrocities committed in Pakistan’s Swat Valley and saw the schoolgirl receive international praise.

She was awarded the country’s first peace award by Pakistan’s prime minister in 2011. Her bravery has been hailed by activists and politicians alike.

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Afghan students express their support for Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai outside their school in Herat


Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai strongly condemned the attack, saying “only those, who are against progress and development of the peoples on both sides of the Durand line [the international border between Pakistan and Afghanistan], could perpetrate such a crime.”

In a blog for The Huffington Post former UK prime minister said he would be visiting Pakistan next month to speak with President Asif Ali Zardari about Malala's cause of education for girls.


malala yousafzai

Malala has been writing a blog about atrocities committed by the Taliban

"Malala's plight has unleashed an unprecedented outpouring of public support. Now all of us must make that support count -- and deliver on the cause she has been fighting for -- her dream of education for every child," he said.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham is a dedicated Major Trauma Centre and is where every British soldier severely injured overseas is treated.

Doctors at the hospital are among the world’s best at treating major head injuries, severe knife or gunshot wounds and spinal injuries.

Opened in June 2010, the £545million facility boasts state-of-art equipment, 1,213 inpatient beds, 32 operating theatres and the largest single-floor critical care unit in the world, with 100 beds.

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  • Malala family visit

    Ziauddin Yousufzai accompanied by his 12 year old son Khushal (left) talks to the media after visiting his daughter Malala at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham today.

  • Malala family visit

    Ziauddin Yousufzai talks to the media after visiting his daughter Malala at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham today.

  • Malala family visit

    Ziauddin Yousufzai accompanied by his 12 year old son Khushal (left) talks to the media after visiting his daughter Malala at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham today.

  • Malala family visit

    Ziauddin Yousufzai (left) talks with Dr David Rosser, Medical Director after visiting his daughter Malala at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham today.

  • Malala family visit

    Ziauddin Yousufzai accompanied by his 12 year old son Khushal with Medical Director Dr David Rosser talks to the media after visiting his daughter Malala at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham today.

  • Malala family visit

    Ziauddin Yousufzai talks to the media after visiting his daughter Malala at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham today.

  • Malala family visit

    Ziauddin Yousufzai accompanied by his 12 year old son Khushal (left) talks to the media after visiting his daughter Malala at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham today.

  • Malala Yousafzai, who was shot by a Taliban gunman in Pakistan, in her hospital bed at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

    Malala Yousafzai, who was shot by a Taliban gunman in Pakistan, in her hospital bed at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

  • Malala Yousafzai, who was shot by a Taliban gunman in Pakistan, in her hospital bed at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

    Malala Yousafzai, who was shot by a Taliban gunman in Pakistan, in her hospital bed at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

  • Shot schoolgirl treated in the UK

    Security patrol the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, where Malala Yousafzai, who was shot by a Taliban gunman in Pakistan is being treated.

  • Shot schoolgirl treated in the UK

    Dr Dave Rosser, Medical Director, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, speaks to the media during a briefing at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, to update on the condition of Malala Yousafzai, who was shot by a Taliban gunman in Pakistan.

  • Shot schoolgirl treated in the UK

    Dr Dave Rosser, Medical Director, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, speaks to the media during a briefing at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, to update on the condition of Malala Yousafzai, who was shot by a Taliban gunman in Pakistan.

  • Shot schoolgirl treated in the UK

    Dr Dave Rosser, Medical Director, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, speaks to the media during a briefing at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, to update on the condition of Malala Yousafzai, who was shot by a Taliban gunman in Pakistan.

  • Shot schoolgirl treated in the UK

    Dr Dave Rosser, Medical Director, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, speaks to the media during a briefing at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, to update on the condition of Malala Yousafzai, who was shot by a Taliban gunman in Pakistan.

  • Shot schoolgirl treated in the UK

    Malala Yousafzai, 14, the Pakistani schoolgirl shot in the head by Taliban gunmen arrives in the UK at Birmingham Airport.

  • Shot schoolgirl treated in the UK

    Malala Yousafzai, 14, the Pakistani schoolgirl shot in the head by Taliban gunmen arrives in the UK at Birmingham Airport.

  • Shot schoolgirl treated in the UK

    Campaigners gather for a vigil for 14 year old schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai, in Birmingham's Victoria Square today.

  • Shot schoolgirl treated in the UK

    Campaigners including 9 month old Mnaha Zoya gather for a vigil for 14 year old schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai, in Birmingham's Victoria Square today.

  • Shot schoolgirl treated in the UK

    Campaigners gather for a vigil for 14 year old schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai, in Birmingham's Victoria Square today.

  • Shot schoolgirl treated in the UK

    Campaigners gather for a vigil for 14 year old schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai, in Birmingham's Victoria Square today.

  • An ambulance believed carrying 14-year-old Malala Yusufza who was attacked by the Taliban for advocating women s education rights as arriving to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment on her injuries in Birmingham central England 15 October 2012. Reports state that she was travelling from Islamabad with her parents and medical staff after being shot in the head and neck in a Taliban attack. The British government confirmed that Malala will be cared for at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham which has a specialist trauma unit and is a key centre for treating soldiers injured in conflict. EPA/ANDREW FOX

  • A police officer stands guard at the entrance of Emergency Department of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham where 14-year-old Malala Yusufza who was attacked by the Taliban for advocating women s education rights arrived for treatment on her injuries in Birmingham central England 15 October 2012. Reports state that she was travelling from Islamabad with her parents and medical staff after being shot in the head and neck in a Taliban attack. The British government confirmed that Malala will be cared for at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham which has a specialist trauma unit and is a key centre for treating soldiers injured in conflict. EPA/ANDREW FOX

  • An ambulance believed carrying 14-year-old Malala Yusufza who was attacked by the Taliban for advocating women s education rights arrive with police escort to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment on her injuries in Birmingham central England 15 October 2012. Reports state that she was travelling from Islamabad with her parents and medical staff after being shot in the head and neck in a Taliban attack. The British government confirmed that Malala will be cared for at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham which has a specialist trauma unit and is a key centre for treating soldiers injured in conflict. EPA/ANDREW FOX

  • An undated handout photograph released by University Hospitals Birmingham on 15 October 2012 showing Dave Rosser Executive Medical Director at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Reports state on 15 October 2012 that Dave Rosser medical director at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital said that Malala Yusufzai The Pakistani schoolgirl shot by Taliban gunmen has a chance of making a good recovery. Malala Yusufza who was attacked by the Taliban for advocating women s education rights was flown from Islamabad with her parents and medical staff to be cared for at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham which has a specialist trauma unit and is a key centre for treating soldiers injured in conflict EPA

  • Shot schoolgirl treated in the UK

    Malala Yousafzai, 14, the Pakistani schoolgirl shot in the head by Taliban gunmen arrives in the UK at Birmingham Airport.

  • Shot schoolgirl treated in the UK

    Malala Yousafzai, 14, the Pakistani schoolgirl shot in the head by Taliban gunmen arrives in the UK at Birmingham Airport.

  • Shot schoolgirl treated in the UK

    Malala Yousafzai, 14, the Pakistani schoolgirl shot in the head by Taliban gunmen arrives in the UK at Birmingham Airport.

  • Shot schoolgirl treated in the UK

    Malala Yousafzai, 14, the Pakistani schoolgirl shot in the head by Taliban gunmen arrives in the UK at Birmingham Airport.

  • Shot schoolgirl treated in the UK

    The plane containing Malala Yousafzai, 14, the Pakistani schoolgirl shot in the head by Taliban gunmen arrives in the UK at Birmingham Airport.

  • Shot schoolgirl treated in the UK

    The plane containing Malala Yousafzai, 14, the Pakistani schoolgirl shot in the head by Taliban gunmen arrives in the UK at Birmingham Airport.

  • Shot schoolgirl treated in the UK

    Malala Yousafzai, 14, the Pakistani schoolgirl shot in the head by Taliban gunmen arrives in the UK at Birmingham Airport.

  • Shot schoolgirl treated in the UK

    The plane containing Malala Yousafzai, 14, the Pakistani schoolgirl shot in the head by Taliban gunmen arrives in the UK at Birmingham Airport.

  • Shot schoolgirl treated in the UK

    Malala Yousafzai, 14, the Pakistani schoolgirl shot in the head by Taliban gunmen arrives in the UK at Birmingham Airport.

  • Shot schoolgirl treated in the UK

    Malala Yousafzai, 14, the Pakistani schoolgirl shot in the head by Taliban gunmen arrives in the UK at Birmingham Airport.

  • Shot schoolgirl treated in the UK

    Malala Yousafzai, 14, the Pakistani schoolgirl shot in the head by Taliban gunmen arrives in the UK at Birmingham Airport.

  • PAKISTAN-UNREST-NORTHWEST-CHILDREN

    Pakistani demonstrators shout slogans during a protest against the assassination attempt on child activist Malala Yousafzai, in Lahore on October 11, 2012. The Pakistani child activist that shot in the head by the Taliban was airlifted to the country's top military hospital for specialist treatment, is still in a critical condition, officials said. The shooting of 14-year-old Malala Yousafzai on a school bus in the Swat valley has been denounced worldwide and by the Pakistani authorities, who have offered a reward of more than USD 100,000 for the capture of her attackers. AFP PHOTO / Arif Ali

  • PAKISTAN-UNREST-NORTHWEST-CHILDREN

    A Pakistani veiled activist of an Islamic Sunni Tehreek party carries a placard during a protest against the assassination attempt by Taliban on child activist Malala Yousafzai, in Islamabad on October 14, 2012. A Pakistani schoolgirl shot in the head by the Taliban in retaliation for her campaign for the right to education, is making 'slow and steady progress' in her recovery, the military said. AFP PHOTO / AAMIR QURESHI

  • PAKISTAN-UNREST-NORTHWEST-CHILDREN

    Pakistani leaders of the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) sit under a photograph of child activist Malala Yousafzai during a protest procession against the assassination attempt by Taliban, in Karachi on October 14, 2012. A Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai shot in the head by the Taliban because she campaigned for the right to education is making 'slow and steady progress' in her recovery, the military said. AFP PHOTO / RIZWAN TABASSUM

  • PAKISTAN-UNREST-NORTHWEST-CHILDREN

    Pakistani demonstrators shout slogans during a protest against the assassination attempt on child activist Malala Yousafzai, in Lahore on October 11, 2012. The Pakistani child activist that shot in the head by the Taliban was airlifted to the country's top military hospital for specialist treatment, is still in a critical condition, officials said. The shooting of 14-year-old Malala Yousafzai on a school bus in the Swat valley has been denounced worldwide and by the Pakistani authorities, who have offered a reward of more than USD 100,000 for the capture of her attackers. AFP PHOTO / Arif Ali

  • PAKISTAN-UNREST-NORTHWEST-CHILDREN

    Pakistani school girls pray for the early recovery of child activist Malala Yousafzai, who was shot in the head in a Taliban assassination attempt, at their school in Peshawar on October 12, 2012. Pakistanis at mosques across the country prayed Friday for the recovery of a schoolgirl shot in the head by the Taliban as doctors said the next two days were critical. AFP PHOTO / A. MAJEED

  • PAKISTAN-UNREST-NORTHWEST-CHILDREN

    Pakistani civil society activists and journalists carry candles and photographs of gunshot victim Malala Yousafzai during a protest against the assassination attempt on Malala Yousafzai, in Islamabad on October 11, 2012. The Pakistani child activist that shot in the head by the Taliban was airlifted to the country's top military hospital for specialist treatment, is still in a critical condition, officials said. The shooting of 14-year-old Malala Yousafzai on a school bus in the Swat valley has been denounced worldwide and by the Pakistani authorities, who have offered a reward of more than USD 100,000 for the capture of her attackers. AFP PHOTO / Aamir QURESHI

  • PAKISTAN-UNREST-NORTHWEST-CHILDREN

    Pakistani demonstrators carry photographs of gunshot victim and child activist Malala Yousafzai during a protest against her assassination attempt, in Karachi on October 11, 2012. The Pakistani child activist that shot in the head by the Taliban was airlifted to the country's top military hospital for specialist treatment, is still in a critical condition, officials said. The shooting of 14-year-old Malala Yousafzai on a school bus in the Swat valley has been denounced worldwide and by the Pakistani authorities, who have offered a reward of more than USD 100,000 for the capture of her attackers. AFP PHOTO / ASIF HASSAN

  • PAKISTAN-UNREST-NORTHWEST-CHILDREN-SWAT

    Pakistani students pray for the early recovery of child activist Malala Yousafzai at a school in Mingora on October 11, 2012. The horrific attack on a Pakistani child rights activist, shot in the head by the Taliban in front of terrified schoolgirls, has raised fears that targeted attacks are on the rise in the Swat valley. Malala Yousafzai, 14, who won international recognition for a blog about the horrors of life under the Taliban and a campaign for the right to an education, is the highest-profile target of militants in Swat for more than three years. AFP PHOTO / MOHAMMAD REHMAN

  • PAKISTAN-UNREST-NORTHWEST-CHILDREN

    Pakistani Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf (L) briefs the media after visiting child activist Malala Yousafzai, who was shot in the head in a Taliban assassination attempt, in Rawalpindi on October 12, 2012. The next 36 to 48 hours will be critical for a Pakistani schoolgirl shot in the head by the Taliban, the military said on October 12, calling on the nation to pray for her recovery. AFP PHOTO / AAMIR QURESHI

  • PAKISTAN-UNREST-NORTHWEST-CHILDREN

    Pakistani Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf (C) arrives at a military hospital to visit child activist Malala Yousafzai, who was shot in the head in a Taliban assassination attempt, in Rawalpindi on October 12, 2012. The next 36 to 48 hours will be critical for a Pakistani schoolgirl shot in the head by the Taliban, the military said on October 12, calling on the nation to pray for her recovery. AFP PHOTO / AAMIR QURESHI

  • PAKISTAN-UNREST-NORTHWEST-CHILDREN

    Pakistani Muslims pray for the early recovery of child activist Malala Yousafzai, who was shot in the head in a Taliban assassination attempt, during a Frdiay prayers in Karachi on October 12, 2012. Pakistanis at mosques across the country prayed Friday for the recovery of a schoolgirl shot in the head by the Taliban as doctors said the next two days were critical. AFP PHOTO / ASIF HASSAN

  • PAKISTAN-UNREST-NORTHWEST-CHILDREN

    A Pakistani Muslim prays for the recovery of child activist Malala Yousafzai, who was shot in the head in a Taliban assassination attempt, during a Frdiay prayers in Karachi on October 12, 2012. Pakistanis at mosques across the country prayed Friday for the recovery of a schoolgirl shot in the head by the Taliban as doctors said the next two days were critical. AFP PHOTO / ASIF HASSAN

  • PAKISTAN-UNREST-NORTHWEST-CHILDREN

    Pakistani Muslims pray for the early recovery of child activist Malala Yousafzai, who was shot in the head in a Taliban assassination attempt, during a Frdiay prayers in Karachi on October 12, 2012. Pakistanis at mosques across the country prayed Friday for the recovery of a schoolgirl shot in the head by the Taliban as doctors said the next two days were critical. AFP PHOTO / ASIF HASSAN

  • PAKISTAN-UNREST-NORTHWEST-CHILDREN

    Pakistani school girls pray for the early recovery of child activist Malala Yousafzai, who was shot in the head in a Taliban assassination attempt, at their school in Peshawar on October 12, 2012. Pakistanis at mosques across the country prayed Friday for the recovery of a schoolgirl shot in the head by the Taliban as doctors said the next two days were critical. AFP PHOTO / A. MAJEED

  • PAKISTAN-UNREST-NORTHWEST-CHILDREN

    Pakistani hospital workers carry injured Malala Yousafzai, 14, on a stretcher at a hospital following an attack by gunmen in Mingora on October 9, 2012. A teenage Pakistani children's rights activist was shot in the head in an assassination attempt as she boarded a school bus in the former Taliban stronghold of Swat, officials said. AFP PHOTO / STR (Photo credit should read STR/AFP/GettyImages)