Suhaila Siddiq

Afghan Public Health Minister, surgeon, and lieutenant general. Born in Kabul, Afghanistan, she died there on Dec 4, 2020, after reportedly contracting COVID-19. She was believed to be her early 80s. After the overthrow of Taliban regime December, 2001, an interim Afghanistan Government led by Hamid Karzai tapped Suhaila Siddiq take over country's Ministry Health. A renowned surgeon high-ranking general, had a reputation for “her diligence, serious command, surgical competence”, said Suraya Dalil, who served as Afghanistan's Minister from 2010 2014. moved quickly address some major health needs that intensified under Taliban's 5-year rule. introduced basic package services midwifery education programme encourage women into professions reverse effects ban female education, which created “a shortage workers, especially women”, Ferozuddin Feroz, former student Siddiq's 2015 2020. “She laid foundation new primary health-care system, is equitable, pro-poor, community-driven, rather than facility-based”, Feroz said. already icon time named pursued medical first at Kabul University then Soviet Union scholarship Moscow university, where specialised abdominal surgery received doctorate. graduating 1961, returned worked Sardar Mohammad Daud Khan Military Hospital Kabul. During invasion began 1979, colleagues treated up 50 casualties day earned renown interventions saved lives dozens injured soldiers. now Director WHO Special Programme Primary Care, remembers reading interview with late 1980s recognised “the only country sizable operation”, As fighting continued 1980s, rose through both military ranks. woman hold rank general chief Hospital's operating theatre, before taking head and, eventually, director hospital. At same time, actively involved educating doctors, running hospital's residency programme. one students 1990s. When he once arrived 3 min meeting, admonishing him, saying “This army hospital I am chief. My work principles are discipline, hard work, passion.” He later realised discipline tempered thoughtfulness “she very kind, supportive, open, good listener”. would appoint Deputy Technical Affairs took power 1996, they forced women, including Siddiq, out schools workplaces. Yet, 2002 interview, “They needed me asked come back…It matter pride me. stayed my country, people. never fled abroad.” agreed continue working, although condition sister exempted requirement all wear burkas. also lobbied allow home. “About 100 doctors graduated college during because Dr personal effort”, explained another “endured difficulties serve Afghanistan”. two ministers Karzai's government, term marked outreach national international non-governmental organisations ensure delivery polio vaccination campaign. provided space team young, committed professionals steered them carry foundational together partners”, Dalil known share salary cleaning staff guards ministry, stepped down 2004 return until diagnosis Alzheimer's disease give medicine. “Her resilience service qualities made outstanding”,