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
Results for "Health research"
User
- Ethiopia
- Addis Ababa
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.
