H.E Dr. Mekdes Daba, a distinguished medical professional, currently serves as the Minister of Health in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. With a specialization in obstetrics and gynecology, her academic journey includes obtaining a medical undergraduate degree from Hawassa University and completing residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at AAU. Notably, she is the first family planning sub-specialist in Ethiopia
Prior to assuming her ministerial role, Dr. Daba held various high-level managerial positions. She served as a Team Lead at the Deputy Director General Office of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva and held roles as a Medical and Technical officer at the Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at WHO Headquarters. Additionally, she was the Managing Director of the Center for International Reproductive Health and Training (CIRHT) Africa, represented the East, Central, and Southern African College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ECSACOG) as Country Representative, and held leadership positions at Hawassa University, including Head of the School of Medicine and Department Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She also made significant contributions to the Ethiopian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, serving as Honorary Secretary and Past President
Furthermore, Dr. Daba has been involved in various advisory and committee roles, including chairing the Civil Society Advisory Group for UN Women Ethiopia, being a member of the WHO/AFRO’s RMNCAH technical advisory group, serving on FIGO’s committee on REI, and being an editorial board member of the Ethiopian Journal of Reproductive Health.
Dr. Daba’s extensive experience in clinical practice and academia, spanning around 15 years, underscores her dedication to the various facets of the health sector. As the first female Family Planning and Reproductive Health sub-specialist in Ethiopia, she has demonstrated a pioneering role in advancing women’s health and rights. Dr. Daba’s remarkable contributions to women’s health have garnered international acclaim, exemplified by her receipt of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Women’s Awards in 2021.
In her capacity as Minister of Health, H.E is committed to addressing the healthcare needs of underserved populations, particularly focusing on children, women, and girls who lack essential health services such as vaccines. Her advocacy for evidence-based decision-making, gender equality, universal health coverage, community engagement, leaving no one behind and women’s empowerment reflects her deep commitment to holistic healthcare. Grounded in the principles of servant leadership, she believes in utilizing her leadership role to inspire excellence in all endeavors.
