All members

My name is Muna Omar Raabi, and I am from Hargeisa, Somaliland. I graduated in 2020 from the University of Gondar with an M.A. in Sociology. I currently live in Hargeisa and work as an Education Officer at the Pharo Foundation.

I'm a public prosecutor in East Gojjam Zone Justice Department. I joined UoG school of law to accomplish my LLM in international human rights law.

Former student and staff.

I am Tilahun Zerihun Graduate of UOG by 2006 GC.

Dr Agegnehu Derbew is an internist working at University of Gondar Comprehensive specialized hospital who has held his undergraduate degree in 2017 at UOG.

I am a committed and compassionate nurse whose professional journey reflects continuous growth, dedication, and a deep passion for improving community health. I received my ADN/diploma in Nursing from the University of Gondar in Ethiopia, where I built a strong clinical foundation and developed a lifelong commitment to serving others. After immigrating to the United States, I continued my education by earning both my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and my Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in Public Health.

Throughout my career, I have worked in a variety of healthcare settings and held multiple roles that have strengthened my clinical expertise, leadership skills, and ability to adapt to diverse patient populations. My experience ranges from direct patient care in clinical environments to leadership and support roles in community-based programs. These opportunities have helped me develop a holistic understanding of the healthcare system and the importance of equitable, culturally informed care.

Currently, I serve as a contractor consulting for several home care companies. In this capacity, I support organizational compliance, guide best practices, assist with staff training, and contribute to improving patient-centered care delivery. This work has broadened my understanding of healthcare operations and allowed me to positively influence systems that impact both patients and caregivers.

My progression from an ADN nurse in Ethiopia to an MSN-prepared Public Health nurse in the United States reflects my determination, resilience, and vision for contributing to meaningful change. I am passionate about addressing health disparities, strengthening community health initiatives, and promoting preventive care practices. With a strong clinical background and advanced public health knowledge, I aim to continue making a positive impact on individuals, families, and the communities I serve.

I am a public health emergency management expert and physician with over eight years of experience in Ethiopia’s
public health system, specializing in strategic planning, resource alignment, and national surveillance system
strengthening. At the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), I currently lead the development and implementation of
the National Public Health Surveillance Strategic Roadmap, aligning priorities with national health sector plans and
global frameworks. My work ensures that surveillance investments are optimized and
contribute directly to measurable health system improvements and emergency preparedness.
In my role as a Surveillance Officer under the Early Warning and Surveillance Directorate, I coordinate national efforts to modernize and digitize public health surveillance through platforms like DHIS2 and ePHEM, supporting both aggregate and case-based reporting. I oversee the analysis and reporting of performance indicators, translating data
into actionable insights that inform policy and decision-making across government and partner institutions.
I serve as the national lead coordinator for all-cause mortality surveillance, non-communicable disease (NCD)
surveillance, and Ethiopia’s collaborative surveillance initiatives. I have also led outbreak investigation and response for
vector-borne and neglected tropical diseases such as malaria, leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis, and cholera, particularly
in hard-to-reach areas.
A core part of my work involves strengthening event- and community-based surveillance, building the capacity of PHEM
officers at subnational levels, and supporting the integration of early warning functions into routine health systems. I also spearhead Ethiopia’s flagship Center of Excellence for Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) initiative, facilitating its institutionalization and advancement toward designation as a WHO Collaborating Center.
My contributions extend to stakeholder coordination, policy brief development, and the promotion of learning and
innovation through evidence-sharing platforms. I hold a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and a Master of Public Health (MPH),
with evolving interests in health policy, digital health, genomic surveillance, and applied implementation researchresearch

Dr. Meseret Zelalem MD is a seasoned Pediatrician and Assistant professor of pediatrics and child health , serving as the Chief Programs and Research Officer at the Center. She began her professional journey as a lecturer, later advancing to Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Child Health and Medical Director at UoG College of Medicine and Health Sciences. With over 16 years of experience, she has excelled in various roles including in Leadership, as a senior medical specialist, medical director, and Institutional Board of Review Chairperson. Dr. Meseret’s expertise spans research, academia, clinical service, leadership and community services, with a focus on Reproductive, maternal, child, and adolescent health and nutrition. She has contributed significantly to community outreach programs, benefiting thousands of children. Notable achievements include her roles as a COVDP secretary, GAVI steering committee member for Zero Dose, and advisor to various initiatives including WHO-Africa Regional office for RMNCAH. Dr. Meseret’s passion lies in women’s leadership, girl’s empowerment, and child well-being, showcased through her advocacy and speaking engagements. Currently, she is dedicated to advancing Early Childhood Development (ECD) initiatives, aiming to break intergenerational poverty and create a conducive environment for every child’s growth and development.