IHME Women in Health Metrics Spotlight: Razan Ismail Ahmed Mohamed, Lead Statistician, Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, United Arab Emirates
Published April 4, 2025
This interview transcript has been lightly edited for clarity
What inspired you to pursue a career in science?
My journey into the field of statistics began with a simple yet powerful curiosity: how can data be used to drive positive change in society? This question led me to a pivotal opportunity at the UAE’s National Statistical Office, where I specialized in population and social statistics. It was there that I developed a deeper understanding of the vital role data plays in shaping public policy and improving societal well-being. As my work progressed, I became increasingly fascinated by the intersection of health systems and their impact on population health. I realized that accurate, reliable data is crucial for crafting policies that can truly make a difference.
The UAE’s commitment to global competitiveness and to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was a major source of inspiration. Working at the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) opened doors for me to work on cutting-edge health metrics, collaborating with international organizations like the UNPD, UNICEF, WHO, and IHME. Through these partnerships, I’ve had the unique privilege of contributing to work that has a direct impact on both national and global policy decisions. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my statistical work can contribute to global progress on health metrics, while also supporting the UAE’s drive to be a leader in health data and policy.
Razan Ismail Ahmed Mohamed
“The world needs diverse perspectives, and women have a critical role in shaping global health outcomes. We are in a unique position to influence policies that will shape the future of healthcare, and we have the opportunity to make a significant and lasting impact.”
Can you share any challenges you’ve faced as a woman in this field and how you overcame them?
In my experience, I have not encountered challenges based on my gender, either in Sudan, my home country, or in the UAE, where I was born and raised.
Sudan is my homeland, and it is where I consider my roots. My family has a strong legacy of pioneering efforts to advance women’s education and leadership. Several of my grandmothers were among the first Sudanese women to receive higher education, and many worked as school principals and teachers, contributing to the education of girls and women across the country. For example, one of them earned a master’s degree from the UK in the early 1960s. Their work extended beyond education; they played significant roles in Sudan’s independence movement and were key figures in the early women’s movement in the 1970s. Many members of my family also held ministerial roles and were part of the first Sudanese Supreme Council, advocating for women’s rights, education, and independence during a time when such efforts were groundbreaking.
This legacy of empowerment has had a lasting impact, ensuring that women in Sudan have access to education at all levels. The contributions of my family have helped lay the foundation for future generations of women, inspiring continued progress in women’s rights and education.
In the UAE, where I was raised, the support for women’s education has been a priority since the 1960s. The UAE has continued to strengthen its commitment to empowering women across all fields, including leadership, science, and policy. I have been fortunate to work in an environment that not only values but actively promotes women’s contributions, fostering a supportive atmosphere where women can thrive both professionally and in leadership roles.
What advice would you give to young women interested in entering this field?
I would encourage young women to follow their curiosity and embrace every opportunity to learn, particularly in the technical aspects of the field. Health metrics and demographics is a dynamic and impactful area, offering countless opportunities to make meaningful contributions to society. While challenges are inevitable, it is crucial to remain resilient and confident in your abilities. Believe in the value of your work, seek mentorship, and continually expand your skill set. The world needs diverse perspectives, and women have a critical role in shaping global health outcomes. We are in a unique position to influence policies that will shape the future of health care, and we have the opportunity to make a significant and lasting impact.
How did you get involved with the GBD/IHME and how has it impacted the way you do your work?
My involvement with the Global Burden of Disease project began through my work in enhancing health statistics in the UAE. Collaborating with IHME has been a highly enriching experience, providing me with access to advanced methodologies in health metrics and disease burden estimation. The opportunity to work with such a global initiative allowed me to deepen my understanding of how comprehensive health data is collected and analyzed on a global scale.
Can you share any ongoing projects or research you’re involved in that you are particularly proud of?
One ongoing project I’m particularly proud of is our work to enhance national health indicators, with a particular focus on health-related SDG indicators. Our team is collaborating closely with international partners, including IHME, to improve data accuracy and ensure more reliable reporting. This effort is aimed at providing better insights into health policies and interventions, contributing to more effective decision-making at both the national and global levels.
How do you see the future of health metrics science evolving with more women in leadership roles?
As more women take on leadership roles in health metrics science, I believe we will see a greater focus on inclusivity, equity, and diverse perspectives. Women leaders bring fresh ideas and a unique approach to addressing global health disparities, ensuring that data collection and analysis reflect the needs of all populations. This shift will strengthen the field, making it more relevant in tackling pressing global health challenges and contributing to more equitable health outcomes worldwide.
What policies or initiatives do you think are necessary to support women in health metrics science?
To effectively support women in health metrics science, we need policies that foster inclusivity and create an environment where women can thrive. This includes promoting work-life balance, establishing mentorship opportunities, and ensuring equitable career advancement and pay. These foundational steps are key to both retaining women in the field and enabling their growth.
Moreover, it’s essential to implement policies that focus on increasing the representation of women in senior health data roles, supporting women-led research, and ensuring equal access to funding for health-related projects. Equally important is the continued promotion of women’s leadership, particularly in global platforms, to ensure that women’s voices and contributions are central to shaping the future of health metrics science.
How can we better recognize and celebrate the achievements of women in this field?
I believe that recognizing the achievements of women can start with more platforms like this spotlight campaign that celebrate their contributions. Additionally, creating awards and recognition for women in science and policy, along with continuing to provide opportunities for global visibility, will ensure that women’s achievements are celebrated and inspire others to follow in their footsteps. We need to continue fostering a culture that supports and recognizes women in leadership roles, not just on International Women’s Day, but throughout the year.