But it was while doing her PhD in health care at La Trobe University that Dr. Jameel's dedication to community care was further strengthened. "I had the most wonderful supervisor, Dr Ken Sellick," Dr Jameel said. "He motivated me to continue my mission with a stronger commitment."

She remembers her days at La Trobe with fondness. "From the moment I stepped into L Trobe, I felt welcomed," she said. "It's friendly and secure which means I could study till late." Her thesis, "Identifying and promoting self-care among home -dwelling older people of Maldives," focused on issues relating to old age. Taking heed of her supervisor's advise, Dr Aminath returned home to establish a Non Profit Organization for ageing people. "Manfaa's mission is to promote healthy ageing and assist those in need to live a dignified life," she said. However, with shortage of funding and trained staff, Dr. Jameel has often found the going tough. "We are faced with a lot of challenges but we are moving ahead," she said.

Dr. Jameel began her academic journey in India at the Christian Medical College, graduating with midwifery training and a Masters of Science degree. She credits CMC for instilling the drive and passion for serving her fellow human beings. "At CMC, a strong sense of dedication and commitment was instilled into us," she said "I always try to follow its motto, 'To Minister and not be ministered unto."

So, it is not surprising that Dr Jameel should turn to politics to further carry out her agenda - this time to help formulate policies. She is the shadow minister for health in the Maldives Democratic Party. Apart from teaching part time at the Faculty of Health Sciences in Maldives, Dr Aminath is also engaged in social work chairing various organizations such as the Women's Development Committee in Male.

In May 2006, Dr Aminath's lifetime's work was honorured when she was awarded the United Arab Emirates Health Foundation Prize in Geneva, Switzerland during the annual World Health Assembly. Previous recipients of the award include such stalwarts as former US First Lady and now senator Hillary Clinton and Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan. "It was great but unbelievable to be in the same company as these ladies," she said.

Dr. Jameel said the award was a further encouragement to keep striving towards better health services. Dr. Jameel believes her strength lies in her ability to continue despite all the obstacles. "I had already crossed 50 when I did my PhD," she said. "Perseverance will lead to success regardless of age."