Khadeeja Abdul Samad Abdulla
Khadeeja Abdul Samad Abdulla | |
|---|---|
ޚަދީޖާ އަބްދުއްސަމަދު ޢަބްދުﷲ | |
Official portrait, 2024 | |
| Minister of State for Health | |
| Assumed office 21 November 2023 | |
| President | Mohamed Muizzu |
| Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health | |
| In office 25 February 2015 – 2020 | |
| President | Abdulla Yameen Ibrahim Mohamed Solih |
| Personal details | |
| Children | 1 |
| Parent | Abdul Samad Abdulla (father) |
| Education | Master’s in Public Health and Health Systems Development |
| Alma mater | Overseas School of Colombo (IB Diploma) |
| Occupation | Public health administrator |
| Known for | Health policy, system reforms, and international representation |
Khadeeja Abdul Samad Abdulla (Dhivehi: ޚަދީޖާ އަބްދުއްސަމަދު ޢަބްދުﷲ) is a Maldivian public health administrator and government official who is currently serving as the Minister of State for Health of the Maldives since 2023. She was appointed to this position on 21 November 2023 by President Mohamed Muizzu.[1] Prior to that, she served as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health from 2015 to 2020.[2]
Early life and education
Abdulla was born in Malé to Abdul Samad Abdulla (a Maldivian physician, diplomat, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs) and Ameena Ali.[3] Through her father’s side, she is the niece of Mohamed Latheef (co-founder of the Maldivian Democratic Party), the granddaughter of Abdullah Katheeb, and the great-granddaughter of Hirihamaidhi Kaleyfaanu — prominent merchant and civic leader whose descendants were among Maldives' prominent reformist families.[4]
Abdulla completed her early schooling in Malé, then attended the Overseas School of Colombo in Sri Lanka, earning the International Baccalaureate Diploma. She later obtained a master’s degree in Public Health and Health Systems Development.[2]
Career
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health (2015–2020)
On 25 February 2015, Abdulla was appointed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health by the Civil Service Commission.[2]
As Permanent Secretary, she helped coordinate key policy frameworks and public health planning documents, including the Health Master Plan 2016–2025[5] and the Maldives Healthcare Quality Standards (2018).[6]
She was also credited as Permanent Secretary in the Maldives Demographic and Health Survey 2016–17 final report.[7]
In May 2018, Abdulla represented the Maldives as one of the Vice-Presidents of the 71st World Health Assembly held in Geneva.[8]
Minister of State for Health (2023–present)
On 21 November 2023, Abdulla was appointed as Minister of State for Health under President Muizzu’s administration, leading initiatives on healthcare quality, system governance, and international cooperation.[1]
Policy and programme work
Abdull has contributed significantly to public health policy and governance in the Maldives.
- Maldives Healthcare Quality Standards (2018) — contributed to development of the national standards; the document carries a message under her name as Permanent Secretary and lists her among contributors.[6]
- Health Master Plan 2016–2025 — acknowledged for providing direction during its formulation in collaboration with the WHO.[5]
- Demographic and Health Survey (2016–17) — oversaw national data collection, the primary statistical source for population and health indicators.[7]
International engagement
Abdulla has represented the Maldives at numerous international and regional health forums.
- In 2018, served as one of the Vice-Presidents of the 71st World Health Assembly in Geneva.[8]
- Cited by WHO SEARO in October 2024 for reaffirming the Maldives’ commitment to strengthening health systems.[9]
- Appeared in WHO governance records in October 2024 as an observer in the Executive Board Officers’ meeting in place of the SEARO Vice-Chair.[9]
- Shown in WHO’s multimedia archive during EB156 (February 2025) in Geneva with the Maldivian delegation.[10]
Personal life
Abdulla is married and has two children. Her father, Abdul Samad Abdulla, was a Maldivian physician, diplomat, and statesman who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and High Commissioner to Bangladesh. His example influenced her early interest in public health and national service.[3]
References
- ^ a b "The President presents Letters of Appointment to State Ministers". The President's Office. 21 November 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2025.
- ^ a b c "Khadheeja appointed as PS of Health Ministry". Sun. 25 February 2015. Retrieved 30 October 2025.
- ^ a b "Late Dr Abdul Samad Abdulla laid to rest". The President's Office. 25 August 2013. Retrieved 30 October 2025.
- ^ Saeed, Fahala (27 June 2022). "ހަވަރު ތިނަދޫން މީހުން ބޭލި ކާރިސާ -2" [The Punishment Inflicted on the People of Havaru Thinadhoo - 2]. Sandhaanu (in Divehi). Retrieved 30 October 2025.
- ^ a b "Health Master Plan 2016–2025" (PDF). Ministry of Health (Maldives). 2016. p. 3. Retrieved 30 October 2025.
- ^ a b "Maldives Healthcare Quality Standards" (PDF). Ministry of Health (Maldives). 2018. p. 178. Retrieved 30 October 2025.
- ^ a b "Maldives Demographic and Health Survey 2016–17" (PDF). Ministry of Health (Maldives) / Demographic and Health Surveys. 2018. Retrieved 12 October 2025.
- ^ a b "71st session of the World Health Assembly has begun". Corporate Maldives. 23 May 2018. Retrieved 30 October 2025.
- ^ a b "Report of Executive Board Officers Meeting (8 Oct 2024)" (PDF). World Health Organization. 8 October 2024. p. 1. Retrieved 12 October 2025.
- ^ "Maldives Delegation EB156 (Geneva)". World Health Organization Multimedia Archive. February 2025. Retrieved 12 October 2025.