Australia Awards South and West Asia

On 12 December, Moomina Abdullah (Mouni) from Maldives graduated with a Master of Digital Health from La Trobe University, supported by an Australia Awards Scholarship. Back home, Mouni serves as the Deputy Director General at the Ministry of Health.

As her scholarship experience drew to a close, Mouni was chosen to speak on behalf of scholars at the Australia Awards End of Year Celebration at Government House in Melbourne. There, she addressed an audience that included Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, members of the consular corps, representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Colombo Plan alumni, and fellow Australia Awards scholars.

Mouni delivering her speech at the Australia Awards End of Year Celebration event at Government House in Melbourne.

In her remarks, Mouni recalled the challenges she faced when COVID-19 struck Maldives in 2020. At that time, she was overseeing the Information Management cluster of the National Emergency Operation Center, playing a vital role in providing urgent and timely data to guide crucial policy decisions. The cluster faced significant difficulties in gathering and analysing health data from multiple islands—a hurdle in managing the crisis effectively. This period highlighted the urgent need for real-time data collection and efficient health information systems.

“This experience,” she says, “ignited my interest in digital health”, and inspired her to pursue a master’s degree in Australia to further her knowledge. With an Australia Awards Scholarship in hand, she aimed to deepen her understanding of how digital health tools could optimise healthcare delivery and policymaking in Maldives.

“Studying at La Trobe University has been transformative,” she says. The program has not only provided her with theoretical knowledge but also equipped her with practical skills in areas such as health data management, telehealth and digital health policy. Mouni believes that the knowledge, skills and connections she has gained will empower her in her role within the Ministry of Health and enable her to make meaningful contributions to healthcare reforms in Maldives.

Mouni (far right) pictured with fellow Australia Awards scholars from Maldives in Melbourne.

Alongside her degree, Mouni has also benefited from multiple professional development opportunities offered by Australia Awards – South Asia & Mongolia. Mouni was able to attend the Australia Awards Scholars Forums in Canberra in 2023 and 2024, and the 2023 Scholars Symposium in Melbourne. She received professional development grants that supported her to intern at the Australasian Institute of Digital Health and attend the Australian Public Health Conference in Perth in September this year. It’s no wonder that she describes her Scholarship as an “invaluable opportunity”.

Mouni has appreciated the opportunity to learn more about First Nations people while in Australia. For example, in 2024, Mouni participated in an Indigenous environment tour at the Koorie Heritage Trust (KHT) in Melbourne, facilitated by Australia Awards. “It was very enlightening to learn about the Aboriginal history of Birrarung Marr and the Aboriginal Peoples of the Kulin Nation,” Mouni says of the experience. “We walked across the Yarra and learnt how the location has changed over time and how important the place is for the local Kulin people.”

Beyond her studies, Mouni enjoys being active and exploring the outdoors. “I’m passionate about running and often hit the gym to stay fit,” she says. One of her recent highlights was completing a half marathon along the breathtaking Great Ocean Road, an experience she found both challenging and exhilarating. Mouni also enjoys hiking and discovering new trails; she finds that staying active in her free time not only keeps her in good physical shape but also helps her to clear her mind and recharge.

Mouni participates in an interactive session in the 2023 Scholars Symposium in Melbourne.

After returning to Maldives, Mouni plans to apply her Australian learning to work toward her goal of becoming a leader of change in digital health innovation, improving and enhancing the country’s healthcare systems significantly. By leveraging the knowledge and skills gained from her Australia Awards Scholarship, Mouni aims to drive initiatives that incorporate advanced digital health technologies into her country’s healthcare infrastructure. The ultimate aim of such integration is to improve both service delivery and policymaking in Maldives.

“Overall, the knowledge and skills I acquired will significantly contribute to my efforts to create a more efficient and equitable health information management system in the Maldives,” Mouni says. “I am excited to apply my knowledge to drive meaningful change in our public health landscape.”

Mouni says that the Australian Government’s commitment to supporting countries through investing in education is “truly inspiring”. She believes that this commitment embodies the values of inclusivity, equity, empowerment through education and capacity building through global partnerships. As a soon-to-be Australia Awards alumna, Mouni feels a strong responsibility to take what she has learnt through her Scholarship and share it with her community, demonstrating the lasting impact of this experience and contributing to the development of her country.