Formation of the International Institute for Primary Health Care

Luidina is a passionate advocate for strengthening primary health care (PHC) systems in Ethiopia and globally. At the International Institute for Primary Health Care – Ethiopia, Luidina leads a team dedicated to fostering impactful partnerships and championing innovative solutions for improved health outcomes.

Luidina brings a wealth of experience in global health, with a focus on building strategic collaborations across diverse stakeholders, including civil society, government agencies, and international institutions. Her work centers around developing and executing advocacy strategies that promote equitable access to quality PHC services in Ethiopia.

Luidina is a skilled communicator and strategist, adept at crafting compelling advocacy materials, leading workshops, and building consensus among diverse stakeholders. Her deep understanding of the local context and the global PHC landscape enables her to develop tailored solutions that address pressing health challenges.

Luidina is committed to building a sustainable and equitable future for all Ethiopians through strengthened primary health care systems.

Tirsit Mehari is working as a Global PHC Lead at the International Institute for Primary Health care in Ethiopia where she is making a strong effort to strengthen the Primary health care systems in Low- and Middle-Income countries (LMICs).

She is leading different capacity building activities including trainings, webinars, capacity assessment and technical supports in different interest areas of the LMICs. Mrs Tirsit has been working as A/Program Coordinator for LIP-H at IPHC-E/MoH, in which She make a great contribution in coordinating the different components of the Program, provision of leadership & Strategic Problem-Solving Skill trainings and Coach the trainees.

Tirsit has been working As Maternal and child health advisor at Addis Ababa health bureau, and as a National preservice education team leader at Ministry of Health. She has been also working as lecturer at university of Gondar and Dessie health science college.

Dr. Eskinder Wolka is a public health specialist working as National Primary Health Care support lead at the International Institute for Primary Health Care- Ethiopia (IPHC-E). He graduated in Bachelor of Science degree in public health from Haramaya University, Ethiopia and obtained MPH and PhD in Public Health from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. He has more than 12 years of experience in Public Health training, research and program management. He has taken different roles in various health interventions evaluation and assessment activities in health system and has over 46 publications as author and co-author in peer reviewed journals in various public health and primary health care areas.

As national primary health care support lead for the IPHC-E, Dr Eskinder leads capacity building training for program leaders and health care workers at health system to contribute to the establishment of a stronger Primary Health Care system in Ethiopia. Dr Eskinder is also responsible for coordinating provision of support to Ministry of Health in enhancing PHC improvement initiatives. He coordinates the activities of Woreda Innovation Center (WIC), an initiative that aims on generating innovative interventions to test and replicate in carefully selected districts. Consolidated learning and best practices from WIC is then transferred to other primary health care facilities for scale-up

Prof. Getnet Mitike Kassie is an MD and holds an MPH and PhD in public health. He is a Senior Researcher at IPHC-E with extensive experience in health research, teaching and consultancy services and holds an honorary adjunct professor position at Bahir Dar University. He leads the Implementation Research section of the Knowledge Generation and Management theme with a strategic objective of enhancing capacity of implementation research for informing policy and program improvement of Primary Health Care. His work focuses on identification of implementation gaps, documentation of programs, generation, synthesis and sharing of evidence to inform PHC systems. He disseminates evidence through publications such as issue/policy briefs, PHC digests, peer reviewed articles, books and makes consultations by holding dissemination workshops, seminars and meetings with policy makers, implementers, researchers and think tank groups. He collaborates with the Ministry of Health, non-governmental organizations, national universities, global partners and research institutions

Wondimu Tsegaye is a seasoned public health professional with over 15 years of experience in medicine and public health. Holding a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Addis Ababa University, Wondimu’s career is marked by a robust expertise in epidemiology, infectious disease control, and program management.

Currently serving as the Operation Sight Evaluation Project Coordinator at International Institute for Primary Health Care – Ethiopia, Wondimu oversees technical and research administration for the Operation Sight evaluation project. His role involves developing assessment tools, ensuring quality assurance, and collaborating with regional health offices and implementation partners. Previously, Wondimu worked as a Senior Public Health Specialist at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, where he partook in the National COVID-19 Rapid Response Team and supported various COVID-19 preparedness and response activities. His experience also includes teaching as a Lecturer at Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, and contributing to primary health care and HIV/AIDS projects with organizations like JSI and Johns Hopkins University

Biruh Alemnew is an Online Training Manager at the International Institute for Primary Health Care – Ethiopia. He is a holistic digital learning expert with over 8 years of experience and a strong educational background in eLearning, adult education, and public health. He is a digital learning expert whose experience is mainly focused on LMS Implementation & Administration (A-Z), Instructional Design, eLearning Development, Webinar and Virtual Classes Management, and Educational Technology. As an online training manager of the institute, Mr. Biruh has been setting up and managing the learning management system of the institute. He has also been a point of contact and advice on online training for colleagues at the institute. His skill on different e-learning tools has been proven by leading the design and development of digital courses for both national and global audiences. Facilitation of e-courses and webinars is another routine thing Biruh is known for in the institute. Before joining the IPHC-E, he worked for St’ Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College as a medical education program coordinator for e-learning, and curriculum development and revision programs.

He has also a good track record in developing interactive digital courses and managing LMSs for different organizations including Ethiopia’s MOH. He previously worked as a clinician and a case team leader for 5 years at a primary hospital in southern Ethiopia. Biruh earned his Masters in Health Professional’s Education from Addis Ababa University, and his BSc in Public Health from Debre Markos University.

Dr. Bereketeab Mulugeta is currently working as A/LIP-H Program coordinator. He is a medical professional with a robust background in health sector human resources administration. He earned his Medical Doctorate from the University of Gondar and his MBA from Maryland International College. Dr. Bereketeab has significant experience in managing COVID-19 prevention and control efforts, including the recruitment and deployment of health professionals across various medical centers. His expertise extends to human resource policy development at the Ministry of Health, where he has contributed to key projects such as the & HRH for UHC& initiative. He serves as a member of different national TWG on HRH & related issues.

Additionally, Dr. Bereketeab is a seasoned trainer, having led sessions on different topics. He has good interpersonal & coordination skills, His dedication to community service is evident through his volunteer work, including providing free medical services in underserved regions.

Sualiha is a Public Health and Leadership Specialist (MPH, MBA), Researcher, Women Leader, Professional Certified Coach/PCC with 15 years of experience in the health system and served as a project lead, advisor, team lead and consultant in different organizations including GO and INGOs. Currently, she is working as a Project Lead/PI for a women leadership impact study base in IPHCE in collaboration with John Hopkins University.

Tsegereda Abebe holds a master’s degree in Nutrition from University of Gondar and has over three years of experience as a research assistant at IPHC-E. She has contributed to the African Health and Diagnostic Platform Project and is currently involved in the GFF and Gavi’s Women Leadership Impact Study. She also took part in sharing evidence to inform PHC systems through publications such as PHC Digest and peer-reviewed articles.

Tsegereda is passionate about advancing health research and aspires to grow her expertise in this field, aiming to make a meaningful impact on public health.

I hold BA in Accounting from Addis Ababa university Collage of Commerce. I am seasoned accountant with over ten years of experience in Financial management and accounting services. My career has encompassed diverse sectors, including consulting, research, and non-governmental organizations, where I have successfully optimized financial operations and fostered sustainable growth. My expertise lies in producing accurate financial reports, ensuring tax compliance, and facilitating smooth audit processes for both internal and external auditors. when outside working, I enjoy traveling and discovering different cultures.

Dr. Meron Assefa is a medical doctor with a strong passion for public health. After earning her medical degree from Addis Ababa University in 2022, she joined IPHC-E as an advocacy and partnership intern where she has made significant contributions to the Primary Health Care. At IPHC-E, She played a crucial role in organizing the 2023 International Conference on Primary Health Care, working closely with the Ministry of Health – Ethiopia and Johns Hopkins University. Her ability to build, manage, and utilize partnerships was key to the event’s success. In addition to her professional commitments, she is deeply involved in volunteer efforts. She has engaged as a volunteer coordinator and event organizer for more than 2 years at GIV Society Ethiopia, making a positive impact on the community. Dr. Meron’s leadership and dedication to improving healthcare delivery in Ethiopia reflect her commitment to ensuring access to quality healthcare for all.

Nahom Frew is a multifaceted professional renowned for his contributions across various platforms. As a Communications Officer at the International Institute for Primary Health Care – Ethiopia, he leverages his medical background from Addis Ababa University to enhance community engagement and brand marketing initiatives, benefiting stakeholders significantly.

Hannah Wendatir is a Research Assistant at the International Institute for Primary Health Care – Ethiopia. She holds an MSc from the Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, where she completed core public health courses and gained substantial experience in quantitative and qualitative research. Since November 2021, she has focused on qualitative data collection, transcription, translation, analysis, and reporting. Her role also involves performing various tasks assigned by the director, showcasing her versatility and commitment to the institute’s mission. Hannah has a rich background in community service, having spent three and a half years (2018-2021) as a manager at Children of Jacob. This organization aims to improve the lives of Jewish women, children, and the broader community. During her tenure, she engaged deeply with the Jewish community, providing humanitarian aid such as food and basic hygienic materials to vulnerable children, and offering startup capital to help women establish small businesses. Hannah’s diverse experiences reflect her passion for public health and community development. She is eager to share innovative ideas and perspectives, leveraging her academic background and practical experience to contribute meaningfully to the International Institute for Primary Health Care. Her organizational, interpersonal, and analytical skills position her to make significant contributions to the institute’s research and community outreach efforts. In addition to her professional pursuits, Hannah is a part-time certified yoga instructor, promoting physical and mental well-being through her practice. She believes in integrating holistic health approaches into her work, further enhancing her impact in the field of public health. Hannah is also a poetess and has published her first poetry collection, “IN MY EYES,” on Amazon. Her poetry explores different themes about life, adding another dimension to her multifaceted career.

Mekdes Shimelis is a public health professional. With over five years of experience, Mekdes has contributed to various schemes aimed at enhancing health outcomes. She currently serves as an Assistant Primary Health Care Coordinator at the International Institute for Primary Health Care – Ethiopia (IPHC-E), where she plays a role in the national PHC team under the IPHCSD Project. Mekdes earned her Master’s in Public Health from Addis Ababa University with a focus on Reproductive, family, and population Health.

Dr. Mohammed A. Yahya is a seasoned and dedicated professional with over seven years of experience. He possesses an entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for evidence-based health and healthcare interventions. Known for his ability to grow practices and lead programs, he excels in consulting with multifaceted teams of experts, providing invaluable support and guidance during high-pressure circumstances.

His unwavering enthusiasm and exceptional organizational acumen drive him to contribute diligently to his team’s achievements. Currently, Dr. Mohammed serves as an Advocacy Officer at the International Institute for Primary Health Care-Ethiopia (IPHC-E) and also works as a consultant for the Ministry of Health on a need basis. Previously, he held roles as a General Practitioner, Case Team Leader, and Lecturer at Jigjiga University, where he led quality M&E, spearheaded the digital transformation of patient registry systems, and headed the COVID-19 pandemic workforce.

He also launched the first One-Stop Rape Center at the university, supervised the hospital’s Emergency Department, and served as the Pandemic Response and Coordination Officer, liaising with the Somali Regional Health Bureau to provide technical direction and evidence on PHC service programs at Qoloji Refugee Camp. Additionally, Dr. Mohammed was the President and Project Manager at Doctors in Action, where he was responsible for M&E and civil society engagement. As a volunteer, he offers free medical services to people living on the streets and in retirement homes and is an active member of the Ethiopian Red Cross Society. Dr. Mohammed earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Addis Ababa University and holds a Master’s in Public Health.

Admin and Finance Manager Hiwot Tadesse is currently serves as Admin & Finance Manager for the International Institute for Primary Health Care – Ethiopia (IPHC-E). Hiwot is a seasoned professional with strong financial and operations management, grant management for different projects funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Global Fund, Buffet Foundation, CIFF, AHDP, FHS, and DFID, GFF & JSI. She has more than 10 years of experience, largely focused on administration, Finance, Grant, HR, and operations management. Prior to assuming her current position, Hiwot served as Finance and Administration, Senior Accountant, Program Coordinator, Credit Administrator, Customer Service officer and as consultant on financial strength & Loan Recovery for different organizations & individuals at South Sudan, Kenya and extensively in Ethiopia. In these roles, Hiwot oversaw multiple organization & programs, maintaining strong relationships with a wide range of donors, government offices, Plc.’s and different NGO’s and She has a professional experience implemented and evaluated numerous grant. financial, IT, procurements, Human Resource, Property Management, event/program coordination, she has exceptional interpersonal skills with high-quality administration & financial management program coordination. When not traveling, Hiwot enjoys nature and reading, walking with silence and planning for the next adventure.

Emebet has a strong background in management, holding an MSc in NGO management. She possesses diverse experience in the voluntary sector, with focus on the non-profit field in both Ethiopia and the UK. Emebet has developed valuable competencies and skills in program and projects management, including strategic planning, grant proposal writing, budgeting, grant management, implementation support, reporting, monitoring, and partnership coordination.

Currently, she leads the Knowledge Management program at IPHC-E, where she has successfully built the Resource Center from the ground up. The Center is set up to serve as a global hub for resources related to primary health care thematic areas, facilitating the sharing of knowledge, information and promising practices.

Anteneh Zewdie is a seasoned Public Health professional with fifteen years of experience in Global Health Leadership and International Development. He has led and managed the successful implementation several programs such as Health System Strengthening (HSS), Leadership Development, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH), Nutrition, WaSH and Communicable Disease Prevention among others. He has worked with international organizations like AIM Initiative, Center for Creative Leadership, Kissito Healthcare, Samaritan’s Purse and World Vision in Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda, USA and Ghana. He served at different capacities starting as HIV Response Facilitator; then progressing as Program Supervisor, Assessment Coordinator, Country Director, Regional Program Director for Africa and Chief Executive Officer.

He has proven experience in starting up organizations and opening new country offices, strategy development, development and deployment of teams, establishing systems and process, mobilizing resources, designing and implementing programs. He had secured grants from international, bilateral and multilateral organizations such as Global Fund, World Blank, UNOCHA, UNICEF, WFP and USAID. He has a Bachelor degree in Public Health from Debub University, Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) from University of Gondar and Doctor of Literature and Philosophy (PhD) from University of South Africa. Currently, he serves as Director of Programs at the Institute of Primary Health Care – Ethiopia.

Dr. Abnet Zeleke currently serves as the Executive Director of the International Institute for Primary Health Care – Ethiopia. Prior to this role, he served as an advisor to the Minister within the Ministry of Health seconded by the Clinton Health Access Initiative. During his time, he coordinated and supported numerous emergency responses, including those for COVID-19, conflict, and conflict-affected communities, as well as leading the Multi-sectoral Engagement Team.

Furthermore, he was the focal point of the Ministry of Health for responses concerning migrants, returnees, and refugees. His collaboration with various UN agencies, notably the IOM, UNOPS, and UNHCR, was instrumental in coordinating health interventions for these vulnerable populations.

Catherine Kane is a technical officer on the WHO Health Workforce team, with a portfolio that includes knowledge management, network engagement, community health workers and the Global Health and Care Workers Compact. Prior to joining WHO, Catherine worked for the Red Cross Movement locally, nationally and internationally, and has held additional policy, humanitarian diplomacy, learning, public health and emergency management positions in national government agencies and health advocacy organizations. She is a passionate advocate for community health.

Frehiwot Nigatu began her academic journey at Jimma University, where she pursued a medical degree. Following her passion for public health, she continued her education at the Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, earning a Master’s in Public Health. Frehiwot’s professional career began at the Ministry of Health, where she was appointed as the National HIV Prevention, Care, and Treatment Focal Person. Her dedication and expertise led to her promotion as the Assistant Director for Disease Prevention and Control. Frehiwot’s impact in the health sector expanded as she transitioned to roles that focused on policy and health system strengthening. She served as a Policy and Health System Strengthening Advisor and later as the Service Delivery Director for the USAID Community HIV Care and Treatment project at Project HOPE. In these roles, she worked diligently to improve HIV care and treatment services, influencing health policies and strategies. Demonstrating exceptional leadership, Frehiwot became the Executive Director for the International Institute for Primary Health Care -Ethiopia (IPHC-E), where she served for four years. In this role, she led initiatives to enhance Primary health care and community health systems the region and globally. She is also the advisory board member for the institute. Currently, Frehiwot Nigatu is the Chief of Party for the USAID Empowered Communities Activity at Project HOPE. In this capacity, she oversees the implementation of strengthening community systems and platforms for a better RMNCAH-N outcome. Frehiwot is deeply passionate about community health, gender equality, and strengthening health systems. Her work reflects a commitment to improving health outcomes and empowering communities through sustainable health interventions. Frehiwot Nigatu’s career is marked by her unwavering dedication to public health and her impactful contributions to Primary health care systems and community empowerment. Her leadership and vision continue to inspire and drive significant advancements in public health.

Dr. Henry Perry has five decades of engagement in global primary health care and community health work. He contributed to the establishment of the International Institute for Primary Health Care –Ethiopia. He is an author or co-author of more than 250 publications. His teaching and mentoring of students have been widely acclaimed. His massive open online course (MOOC) on Coursera, Health for All through Primary Health Care, has reached more than 85,000 people around the world (available at: https://www.coursera.org/instructor/~693038). He is semi-retired and continues as a Senior Associate in the Department of International Health at the Johns Hopkins University.

Peter Hill is Associate Professor, Global Health Systems in the School of Public Health at The University of Queensland. He is a Public Health Physician by training and completed his PhD at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, examining the emergence of global health policy and its translation into country level policies and program. His research and teaching interests currently focus on global health governance, heath in the Sustainable Development Goals, health systems strengthening and Indigenous health in Australia. He has extensive research and health systems experience across West Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific, undertaking consultancies for AusAID, GIZ, Australian Red Cross, the GAVI Alliance, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria and the World Health Organization. 

Dr. Solomon Zewdu is Senior Executive Resident for Strategy and Planning at the Mastercard foundation on enterprise level social impact investments. Before transitioning to MCF, he spent seven years at the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation as DD in the Africa office. He is a Medical Doctor with extensive expertise in global health, resilient health system designs, disaster preparedness response among many other career duties. He coordinated the Pan African SARSCoV2 BMGF investments and now help managed the MCF Saving lives and livelihood partnership. He shapes partnerships in workforce development, Pandemic preparedness, vaccine, therapeutics and diagnostics manufacturing and the full ecosystem. His 26 years career spans across the public and private sector, worked with multi-sectoral ministries, governments, DoD, academia, implementing partners and philanthropy.  He is a decorated Lieutenant Colonel of the US Airforce and has run various humanitarian and disaster mitigation missions.

Tigist Astale is a research officer at the International Institute for Primary Health Care-Ethiopia. She provides technical and scientific support to the research initiatives of the Institute, and synthesize the evidence required for the formulation and implementation of PHC programs. She also oversees research projects that are funded by the Institute.

Tigist has an extensive background working in research projects with a focus on community health problems. As a strong believer in the power of scientific evidence for program improvement, she is continually engaged in writing, distributing, and publishing research findings for public use.

Dr. Mohammed Abseno is recently employed as a Research assistant at the International Institute for Primary Health Care-Ethiopia. He has worked as a clinician and health manager in the southern part of Ethiopia while he was a general practitioner. He contributed a lot on HIV and TB control programs while he was working at the Arbaminch hospital in addition to his clinical career.
After his transfer to St. Peter Specialized hospital and completing his second degree in public health, he served as the Head of Research, Training and Quality office for more than eight years and as a researcher for several years.

He has an excellent communication capacity and respect for clients coming for any support and advice regarding research proposal writing, conducting researches and final write up of research papers. He has publications in different areas of public health issues. He has also served as a clinical trial coordinator where a short regimen for MDR-TB was compared with the long duration WHO regimen. This research has shortened the 20 months treatment to the shorter 9 months regimen. He has great capacity in writing project proposals.

Animut Mesfin is a system librarian and ICT expert at the International Institute for Primary Health Care – Ethiopia. He has been working as an ICT expert for 10 years since 2010. He also have experiences working as a senior system developer and administrator at Bahir Dar university. Being placed in this role helped him develop some of his best professional qualities, such as ability to work in a team, aptitude to deal with people in all honesty and the skill to develop and administer web applications.

Dr. Svea Closser is a medical anthropologist who is Associate Professor in the Department of International Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Her research, funded by organizations including the National Science Foundation, the World Health Organization, the National Institutes of Health, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, focuses on the social relations shaping Primary Health Care, particularly the experiences of Community Health Workers. She is author of academic books published by Vanderbilt University Press and numerous academic articles in journals including the American Journal of Public Health, Social Science and Medicine, and BMJ Global Health. Dr. Closser is also a committed educator and coauthor of two textbook-readers on medical anthropology and global health.

Peter Hill is Associate Professor, Global Health Systems in the School of Public Health at The University of Queensland. He is a Public Health Physician by training and completed his PhD at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, examining the emergence of global health policy and its translation into country level policies and program. His research and teaching interests currently focus on global health governance, heath in the Sustainable Development Goals, health systems strengthening and Indigenous health in Australia. He has extensive research and health systems experience across West Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific, undertaking consultancies for AusAID, GIZ, Australian Red Cross, the GAVI Alliance, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria and the World Health Organization.

Uta Lehmann is professor and former director of the School of Public Health at the University of the Western Cape in South Africa. She is a social scientist by training and has worked in public health and health personnel education for over 30 years. Her interests and expertise lie in health policy and systems research, HRH, and qualitative research. Her research projects have included a focus on understanding how relationships, power and politics impact health systems function, and exploring ways to support the voice and capacity of frontline providers. She has published extensively on the importance of community health systems and the role of community health workers, and has led capacity strengthening initiatives for HRH. She coordinates a WHO Collaborating Centre for research and training in HRH.

Catherine Kane is a technical officer on the WHO Health Workforce team, with a portfolio that includes knowledge management, network engagement, community health workers and the Global Health and Care Workers Compact. Prior to joining WHO, Catherine worked for the Red Cross Movement locally, nationally and internationally, and has held additional policy, humanitarian diplomacy, learning, public health and emergency management positions in national government agencies and health advocacy organizations. She is a passionate advocate for community health

Dr. Meike Schleiff is a researcher and educator with extensive experience working on community health and community engagement, primary health care, curriculum development and mentorship models, and health equity. She brings learning, implementation and systems perspectives to bear on her work. She is working on research agenda setting, PHC and universal health coverage portfolios, and supporting the Alliance HPSR’s online course development and implementation. She holds a master’s and a doctoral degree in health systems from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, where she also served as a faculty member for five years leading a portfolio of implementation research, programme evaluation and institutional strengthening projects.

Dr. Kesetebirhan (Kesete) Admasu joined Big Win Philanthropy in January 2019 as CEO, after serving as CEO of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria. He served as Minister of Health of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia from 2012 – 2016. Prior to his appointment as Minister, Dr. Kesete served as State Minister for the Health Programs and Director General of the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention General Directorate in the Ministry. In his capacity as Director General, Dr. Kesete oversaw health sector reform and led the implementation of the country’s flagship Health Extension Program (HEP), which improves the quality and availability of primary health care services through community-based health workers. He has held a number of prominent positions within regional and international organizations in the health sector, including serving as Chair of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa, Chair of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Ministerial Committee on Health, and Member of the Board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. In recognition of his contribution to reproductive health, he was selected as a 2016 Winner of “120 Under 40,” an initiative organized by the Bill & Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive Health.

MINISTER OF HEALTH, FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA