UNICEF Representative

UNICEF Representative in Azerbaijan, Dr. Saja Farooq Abdullah

UNICEF Representative in the Photo
UNICEF Representative in Azerbaijan, Dr. Saja Farooq Abdullah

Dr. Saja Farooq Abdullah has officially assumed her role as the UNICEF Representative in Azerbaijan in January 2024.

Dr. Abdullah brings over 26 years of international experience in Management and Humanitarian Coordination, Health and Nutrition, and Early Childhood Development with international NGOs, UN agencies and governments.

Dr. Abdullah worked in UNICEF Türkiye, UNICEF Maldives, the UNICEF Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa in Amman, Jordan, UNICEF Sudan and UNICEF Yemen, where she led various programmes for children. She also served in UNICEF Bangladesh as Chief of Field Services and coordinated the work of six field offices, from where she joined UNICEF Azerbaijan.

Dr. Abdullah is a national of Iraq. She holds a bachelor's degree in General Medicine and Surgery from the University of Baghdad, a master's degree in Community Health Science from the National University of Malaysia and a postgraduate diploma in Public Health from the University of Basrah.

Under Dr. Abdullah's leadership, UNICEF Azerbaijan remains committed to expanding its work for children and young people in the country. Together with the government and partners, UNICEF will continue its efforts to advance child rights and reach all children with primary health, social protection, and quality education.