Meet Lina Al Ramahi: Mission Pharmacy Manager with MSF
This month, we introduce Lina Al Ramahi, mission pharmacy manager at MSF. From Yemen to Sudan, Lina’s journey with MSF reflects a commitment to action in the most complex humanitarian settings.
Having supported mission operations in Sudan and Nigeria, Lina works alongside national teams to ensure life-saving care reaches communities affected by conflict, often under extreme conditions. Her work embodies MSF’s principles in practice: integrity, neutrality, and bearing witness where it matters most.
What first pushed you to move from pharmacy into humanitarian work, and what specifically drew you to MSF?
Starting in 2015, I moved from being part of a war-affected population to becoming an active humanitarian, driven by a sense of duty to serve my community in Yemen.
MSF drew me because it moves beyond “paper” principles into real action. It doesn’t only provide medical care; it dares to bear witness, to speak for the voiceless, and to stand against injustice. For me, MSF is the only organisation that truly embodies the integrity and neutrality I have sought throughout my career.
Could you describe a typical day in your current role in Sudan? What is the biggest challenge you've encountered?
In Sudan, I live many of the same challenges as our national staff: from the sadness of seeing abandoned cities like Khartoum to navigating daily security risks.
At the same time, my days are shaped by the strength of the team around me. We work closely, support one another, and so the team often feels like a family. That sense of care and solidarity keeps me going and pushes me to give more, because the people and the communities we serve deserve everything we can offer.
What has been the most challenging aspect of your work with MSF so far and, in contrast, what has been the most rewarding moment or achievement in your MSF career to date?
The greatest challenge is sacrificing safety and comfort. Working in high-risk environments, living in tents in remote rural areas without basic facilities, and constantly adapting to insecurity requires resilience and a complete shift in lifestyle.
But these challenges are outweighed by the rewards. Seeing communities receive care they would otherwise never access, and feeling the deep gratitude of the people we serve, makes every sacrifice worthwhile. Being part of a life-saving mission is the greatest reward of all, proving that no matter how tough the environment, the human impact is what truly matters.
How do you mentally "exit" the emergency settings your work revolves around in order to preserve your own well-being?
Coming from a country affected by prolonged insecurity, I know that surviving emergencies is not only about physical safety, it’s about mental survival. As a woman who has lived through these crises, I have learned that to stay effective, you must actively protect your spirit.I find strength in small moments: a team gathering, a shared meal, or time for exercise.
These simple acts of humanity help keep us grounded. I don’t just want to help people survive; I want to help them find resilience and hope, just as I have learned to do myself.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to young women in the MENA region who want to follow in your footsteps but are hesitant about the risks?
I would tell them to follow their dreams with MSF without fear. It is a unique environment that respects individuals’ culture and identity so they never have to change who they are to belong.
I have seen how MSF genuinely empowers women, creating real pathways to leadership. Witnessing women thrive as Heads of Mission and Medical Directors showed me that there are no limits to what we can achieve here. MSF is not just a job; it is a respectful and safe space where women’s voices are heard and valued.
As we start a new year, what is your primary hope for the MSF pharmacy teams you are currently leading in Sudan?
To the pharmacists working directly with MSF and those working under incentive contracts: your dedication is the silent engine of our mission. I see every day the critical work you do under incredibly challenging conditions.
My hope for you is not only physical safety, but mental resilience, because protecting your spirit is as vital as your technical expertise. What you provide is life-saving and priceless. Keep building your skills, growing your careers, and taking pride in the impact you make. You are not just managing supplies; you are delivering hope and healing.
