Leadership Impact

Dr. Abdulrazaq Yusuf Ahmed, widely known as Dr. Jalaaludiin, is a Somali physician, public health specialist, health systems reformer, and national health-financing leader. With more than 15 years of progressively senior experience in clinical service, public-sector transformation, hospital leadership, emergency response, and health policy, he has built a distinguished career at the intersection of medicine, governance, and systems change. He currently serves as Director General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Somalia, where he is helping shape the country’s health insurance agenda and advance financial protection, strategic purchasing, provider accountability, and Universal Health Coverage.    

Over the years, Dr. Abdulrazaq has had the privilege of serving at the Federal Ministry of Health & Human Services at the national level, contributing to and leading the development, reform, and implementation of important health policies, strategies, guidelines, regulatory frameworks, and institutional systems. His leadership journey has included roles in national health systems strengthening, emergency coordination, health workforce governance, and hospital transformation. He previously served as Director of Human Resources Management and HRH Development, National Incident Manager for Somalia’s COVID-19 response, Senior Advisor and Team Lead for Health Systems Strengthening, and Director of Medical Services and Deputy Director General. He also led Demartino National Public Hospital, where he oversaw major service expansion, clinical governance reform, and continuity of care during the COVID-19 emergency.    

A committed advocate for Universal Health Coverage, Dr. Abdulrazaq’s work is driven by a deep belief that strong institutions, equitable financing, accountable governance, and people-centered service delivery are essential to national progress. He has been actively engaged in institution-building in fragile settings, translating evidence into practical reforms, and championing more resilient and responsive health systems for Somalia. He is also a strong voice for mental health, health equity, and dignified access to care, recognizing that sustainable development must include the often-overlooked social and psychological dimensions of wellbeing.      

In academia, Dr. Abdulrazaq is a senior lecturer, postgraduate coordinator, mentor, and public intellectual with teaching and training contributions in medicine, infectious diseases, health policy and planning, health systems, healthcare leadership, epidemiology, research methodology, and health economics across local and regional universities and institutes. He has supported postgraduate teaching and curriculum development, mentored emerging scholars and health professionals, and contributed to competency-based professional development in complex settings.

He is also a prolific researcher and writer, with more than 35 publications spanning health systems, health financing, governance, Universal Health Coverage, pandemic preparedness, One Health, infectious diseases, and mental health, alongside a growing body of public-facing articles, reflections, and policy-oriented thought leadership on health systems, public-sector reform, governance, community development, and social science. His work has appeared across peer-reviewed and scholarly platforms, and he continues to contribute to national and global conversations through research, commentary, and professional engagement.      

Beyond government and academia, Dr. Abdulrazaq is active in international forums, leadership platforms, professional networks, and educational societies. He holds multiple fellowships and memberships, including the Royal Society for Public Health (FRSPH), the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (FRSTMH), and other international professional bodies, and he has served in board-level and ambassadorial capacities. His leadership has been recognized through national and international awards, and he remains committed to using evidence, service, and institutional leadership to improve lives.    

At the heart of his work is a simple but powerful mission: to help build a healthier, fairer, and more resilient Somalia. Whether through policy reform, institutional development, academic mentorship, research, or public advocacy, Dr. Abdulrazaq Yusuf Ahmed continues to advance a vision of health systems that are inclusive, accountable, and worthy of the people they serve.    

Transforming Vision into Impact

Director of  National Social  Health insurance Authority ; Federal Ministry of Health Somali

IMPACT SNAPSHOT

15+ Years of Leadership

Across public health, health systems strengthening, hospital transformation, and national reform.