Dr Adamu Zerihun Gelaw
Addis Ababa,Ethiopia
Summary
Public health professional with expertise in immunisation programme design, disease surveillance, and strategic planning. Proficient in stakeholder coordination and crisis management, ensuring effective project execution and resource mobilisation. Experienced in nutrition programme design and data reliability enhancement, focusing on regional vaccination coordination and training curriculum development. Committed to advancing cross-border surveillance and operational budget management while enhancing stakeholder engagement through data analysis and visualisation.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work history
WHO – National COVAX Immunization & VPD Surveillance Officer
Addis Ababa
03.2021 - 01.2026
- Directly supported and coordinated national coordination across ICC, ENITAG, and ENTWG, establishing 14 regional technical working groups and coordinating technical inputs from FMOH, UNICEF, and CDC to align vaccine introduction, surveillance, and diagnostics placement.
- Designed and implemented 7+ WHO-aligned surveillance frameworks, strengthening sentinel surveillance and improving national data reliability by 29%.
- Directed 14-region measles sero-prevalence survey, managing protocol development, logistics, and cold-chain for 14,900+ specimens, and delivering analysis that informed national immunization policy.
- Managed operations for ~19 national vaccination campaigns, ensuring >95% implementation success and compliance with WHO standards through coordinated regional deployment and partner oversight.
- Developed and delivered training curricula on vaccine safety and surveillance to 500+ health workers and collaborated with national technical team of 15 staff and consultants to support rollout and monitoring.
- Directly supported laboratory and diagnostics activities, including meningitis CSF sample collection and diagnostic arrangements; measles sero-prevalence sample investigation setup, test-kit procurement and resource mobilization; and initial SARS-CoV-2 variant detection and laboratory identification conducted abroad followed by in-country diagnostics machine mobilization and start-up.
- Co-developed National Vaccine Development Plan (three iterations) and led donor engagement and resource mobilization activities with Gavi and bilateral partners; strengthened laboratory linkages and sample referral networks with national reference laboratories and academic partners.
Independent National Consultant – McKing
Addis Ababa
08.2020 - 12.2020
- Strengthened outbreak response and surveillance, achieving 100% AFP case investigation with real-time reporting via ODK.
- Improved data quality and vaccine retrieval systems, boosting efficiency by 60% through DHIS2 integration and enhanced case search.
- Implemented joint supportive supervision and digital monitoring, increasing compliance by 90% with monthly tracking.
- Delivered high-quality SIAs for nOPV2 and Measles, ensuring 95%+ alignment with WHO guidelines and readiness across all zones.
- Achieved 100% compliance on AFP and VPD indicators, reducing reporting delays by 50%.
- Trained and mentored 500+ health workers, improving data accuracy and timeliness by 75% using ODK; integrated outbreak response for Cholera, Measles, and COVID-19.
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Epidemiologist – International Medical Corps (IMC)
Addis Ababa
02.2020 - 07.2020
- Secured EU and CDC funding, enabling 100% rollout of emergency response projects across targeted regions.
- Ensured full compliance with public health emergency protocols and organizational standards during implementation.
- Enhanced notification and reporting systems, improving case detection accuracy by 30%; supported bi-weekly capacity-building sessions leveraging ODK and DHIS2.
- Delivered weekly health cluster updates, maintaining high standards of public health practice and stakeholder engagement.
- Conducted 10+ training sessions on COVID-19 case management, strengthening referral systems and service delivery by 25%.
- Organized weekly online review meetings, increasing data accuracy and timeliness by 27%.
Deputy Chief of Party – RTI International
Addis Ababa
07.2017 - 06.2019
- Directed program operations and performance for multi-region health projects; introduced Power BI dashboards for real-time monitoring that increased operational efficiency by 55% and improved senior leadership decision-making.
- Managed program budget and financial compliance for a portfolio valued at USD 1.9 million, ensuring timely donor reporting and strict adherence to financial regulations.
- Built and sustained 15+ strategic partnerships with government ministries, UNICEF, local NGOs, and private suppliers to strengthen supply chains and service delivery across 59 districts.
- Integrated DHIS2, ODK, and Power BI into routine program management, improving reporting timeliness and completeness and enabling data-driven resource allocation.
- Oversaw implementation of 8+ campaigns and surveys, managing field teams of 233 staff and consultants and ensuring methodological rigor and donor compliance.
- Coached and supervised multidisciplinary teams, directly supervising 37 program staff and indirectly supporting a field workforce of 22, building capacity in surveillance, M&E, and operations.
- Streamlined supply chain and logistics planning, reducing delivery delays by 40% through data-driven forecasting and coordination with procurement partners and private vendors.
START Training Consultant – AFENET/CDC
Nairobi, Kenya
04.2016 - 12.2016
- Delivered onsite mentoring at health facility and sub-county levels, training 250+ health workers and improving staff competency by 65%.
- Established integrated supportive supervision with county EPI team leads, increasing compliance with immunization standards by 45%.
- Analyzed immunization data using DHIS2 and visualized trends with Power BI, identifying gaps and improving reporting accuracy by 70%.
- Facilitated knowledge transfer through 5+ EPI training sessions and workshops, enhancing decision-making efficiency.
- Rolled out new vaccines and modern immunization strategies, ensuring program sustainability and achieving 95% alignment with WHO guidelines.
STOP Consultant – WHO, Nigeria
02.2014 - 12.2015
- Implemented integrated strategies to reach under-served communities, improving compliance and cross-border surveillance by 62%.
- Trained and mentored NEPI coordinators, cold chain officers, surveillance officers, and 100+ volunteers, boosting operational capacity by 40%+.
- Expanded joint supportive supervision at local government level, engaging administration officials and traditional leaders to strengthen program ownership.
- Conducted routine immunization surveys using RI checklists, analyzed data in DHIS2, and shared actionable insights with government, UNICEF, and CDC.
- Established a joint immunization and surveillance task force between Nigeria and Cameroon, improving AFP case detection by 25%.
- Supported outbreak investigations for multiple diseases, ensuring 100% timely reporting to state EOC and partners.
Deputy Director & Medical Coordinator – MSF-Holland
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Strengthened collaboration with the Charities and Societies Agency, fostering a positive working environment through advocacy and diplomatic engagement.
- Coordinated development of annual plans, proposals, and budgets, mobilizing $600,000+ in funding for new initiatives.
- Provided political, economic, and social context analysis, supporting the Head of Mission in security management decisions.
- Designed and implemented advocacy strategy for Somalia, initiating lobbying for vulnerable groups, including seasonal migrant workers and Kala-Azar patients in Abdurafi.
- Improved partner collaboration, led 5+ emergency exploratory missions, and coordinated assessments, proposals, and response strategies for new missions.
Medical Team Leader and Assistant Medical Coordinator
03.2012 - 07.2012
- Managed medical referral linkages and oversaw data systems (HMIS), improving timeliness and completeness of reporting by 47%.
- Directed medical services and nutrition assessments across camps and reception sites, supporting mental health, nutrition, and post-trauma counseling for thousands of refugees.
- Established WASH facilities and cholera treatment centers, reducing waterborne disease risk by 40% and ensuring rapid outbreak response.
- Trained and mentored 200+ health workers, volunteers, mental health nurses, and nutrition officers, strengthening emergency response capacity.
- Improved physician referral systems, reducing treatment delays by 25% and enabling timely referrals to central hospitals.
- Negotiated with military, technical working groups, and regional task forces, driving expansion of Nutrition/HIV/emergency response programs.
- Delivered weekly performance presentations to the Health Cluster, authored detailed reports, and leveraged HMIS for improved data quality.
A. Project Coordinator
Abdurafi
01.2011 - 02.2012
- Designed and implemented monitoring and evaluation strategies, improving project performance by 30%.
- Strengthened partnerships with GOs, NGOs, military, and local groups, ensuring neutral and independent collaboration.
- Coordinated EPREP activities and led 15+ outbreak investigations (Cholera, Measles, COVID-19), achieving 100% timely response compliance.
- Leveraged DHIS2, Power BI, and ODK for real-time data analysis, increasing reporting timeliness and completeness by 77%.
- Delivered weekly Health Cluster presentations and detailed reports, improving stakeholder engagement by 53%.
- Introduced strategic thinking and innovative approaches, enhancing program relevance and sustainability.
Nutrition & Maternal-Child Health Outreach Coordinator
Abdurafi
09.2009 - 12.2010
- Led Malnutrition, HIV/AIDS, and Kala-Azar Programs, coordinating outreach and case management for 10,000+ vulnerable individuals, improving treatment access by 35%.
- Advanced Maternal & Child Health Initiatives, designing behavioral change manuals for mothers, sex workers, and seasonal migrants, reaching 5,000+ households and reducing malnutrition risk by 28%.
- Strengthened Nutrition Advocacy & Policy, influencing national guidelines for Kala-Azar co-infected patients and securing inclusion of migrant workers’ rights in policy documents.
- Conducted Nutrition Surveys & Emergency Assessments in Amhara and Tigray, analyzing 1,200+ household data points; recommendations adopted by Regional Food Security Bureau improved food quality for 50,000+ beneficiaries.
- Improved Partner Engagement, organizing national photo exhibitions and securing WHO and FMOH support for integrated nutrition and disease management.
FAHA Project Coordinator
Gondar
08.2008 - 12.2008
- Delivered palliative care training for 50+ CBRH agents; reduced HIV/AIDS stigma; improved patient support.
- Led house-to-house C&T; early detection/care linkage ay 30%; instituted supportive supervision.
- Coordinated with FMOH, hospitals, sister organizations for aligned delivery.
- Produced program-focused reports for national/international stakeholders.
- Coordinated basic nutrition screening to home visits; referred more than 378 undernourished clients for supplementary feeding/RUTF; treatment initiation within 72h in 85% of cases.
Chief Medical Officer
Bahir Dar
06.2005 - 07.2007
- Delivered comprehensive medical care to underserved populations, managing 1,500+ outpatient cases and ensuring adherence to national health protocols and medical ethics.
- Provided antenatal, postnatal, and pediatric services, reducing maternal complications by 20% and improving child health outcomes.
- Led emergency response for accidents and acute conditions, achieving 95% survival rate for critical cases.
- Conducted nutrition screening for 2,000+ patients, initiated treatment for SAM/MAM cases, and delivered IYCF counseling to caregivers.
- Organized community health education sessions on hygiene, HIV prevention, and chronic disease management, reaching 5,000+ individuals.
- Oversaw laboratory services, minor surgical procedures, and chronic disease management (TB, HIV/AIDS, hypertension, diabetes).
- Strengthened referral linkages to tertiary hospitals, reducing treatment delays by 30%.
College Instructor
Bahir Dar
04.2003 - 06.2005
- Taught core medical and public health courses to 300+ students, improving pass rates by 25% through interactive teaching methods.
- Participated in designing and updating public health and clinical curricula, aligning with national education standards.
- Took on management roles, facilitated private college registration, and strengthened compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Built strategic partnerships with health institutions and NGOs, enhancing internship and practical training opportunities for students.
- Organized faculty development sessions and contributed to academic quality assurance.
- Attended multiple intellectual forums, sharing insights on health systems and education innovation.
Medical Officer / Health Officer
09.2000 - 04.2003
- Defined health needs for a population of 150,000+, developed annual health plans, and optimized resource utilization.
- Oversaw PHC programs across 15 health facilities, improving service coverage by 67%.
- Delivered antenatal, postnatal, and child health care, reducing maternal complications by 79% and improving immunization coverage for children under five by from 40% to 95%.
- Coordinated EPI activities, achieving 95%+ coverage for routine vaccines and reducing measles incidence by 87%.
- Led community malaria prevention campaigns, distributed 100,000 insecticide-treated nets, and improved early diagnosis and treatment, reducing malaria cases by approximately 45%.
- Organized active surveillance for Measles, AFP, and Meningitis, achieving 100% timely reporting and cutting outbreak response time by 50%.
- Screened 3,000+ children and PLWs for malnutrition; initiated treatment for SAM/MAM cases and provided IYCF counseling to caregivers.
- Built strong relationships with local government, NGOs, and sister organizations to ensure integrated health service delivery.
Education
Doctor of Science (PhD) - Nutrition
AIU
USA 01.2016 - 01.2019
Master of Public Health (MPH) -
University of Gondar
Ethiopia 01.2007 - 01.2009
Bachelor of Science - Public Health
Dilla Universality
Ethiopia 01.1996 - 01.2000
Skills
- Immunization Program Design
- Disease Surveillance
- Strategic Planning
- Stakeholder Coordination
- Crisis and Emergency Management
- Project design and resource mobilization
- Nutrition program design
- Nutrition survey
- Surveillance framework design
- Data reliability enhancement
- Regional vaccination coordination
- Training curriculum development
- Laboratory diagnostics management
- Donor engagement strategies
- Resource mobilisation expertise
- Public health compliance
- Emergency response planning
- Cross-border surveillance
- Operational budget management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Data analysis and visualisation
- Health program implementation
- Real-time data reporting
- AFP case investigation
- Vaccination campaign management
- Outbreak response coordination
- Integrated supportive supervision
- Vaccine introduction strategy
Languages
Amharic
English
References
- Abiyou, Muhie, World Health Organization, EPI Team Lead, muhieya@who.int, +251913394939
- Mesfin, Wossen, Ethiopia Public Health Institute, Deputy PHEM Director, mesfinwossen@gmail.com, +251912756667
Hobbies
Reading, Traveling, Gardening, Volunteering
Research & Publications
- Household Food Security in Gondar 2009: An in-depth analysis of food security dynamics within the Gondar region, focusing on household access and nutritional adequacy.
- Nutrition and Mental Health Pathophysiology 2016: A comprehensive exploration of the interrelation between nutrition and mental health, examining underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
- Historical Cycles and Global Consciousness 2018: An insightful examination of the cyclical patterns in history and their impact on collective human awareness and societal evolution.
- Sustainable Social Enterprises in Developing Countries 2019: A critical assessment of the role of social enterprises in fostering sustainable development and economic empowerment in developing nations.
- Human Consciousness and Universal Connectivity 2018: A thought-provoking investigation into the concepts of human consciousness and the disconnectedness of individuals within a global context.
- Factors associated with Non-and incomplete vaccination among children aged 12-23 months in Gindher District, South East Ethiopia
- Effects of Climate Change on Child Health in Africa: Diep L, Godfrey S, Tunhuma F, et al. Nature Climate Change. DOI: 10.1038/s41558-024-02197-7
- Human Mobility Data for Measles Modeling in Zambia: Kostandova N, Prosperi C, Mutembo S, et al. PLOS Glob Public Health. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003906
- Reliable Data for Child Health in Humanitarian Settings: Kadir A, Stevens AJ, Wise PH, Muloiwa R. PLOS Glob Public Health. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0004231
Timeline
WHO – National COVAX Immunization & VPD Surveillance Officer
03.2021 - 01.2026
Independent National Consultant – McKing
08.2020 - 12.2020
Epidemiologist – International Medical Corps (IMC)
02.2020 - 07.2020
Deputy Chief of Party – RTI International
07.2017 - 06.2019
START Training Consultant – AFENET/CDC
04.2016 - 12.2016
Doctor of Science (PhD) - Nutrition
AIU
01.2016 - 01.2019
STOP Consultant – WHO, Nigeria
02.2014 - 12.2015
Medical Team Leader and Assistant Medical Coordinator
03.2012 - 07.2012
Deputy Director & Medical Coordinator – MSF-Holland
01.2012 - 01.2014
A. Project Coordinator
01.2011 - 02.2012
Nutrition & Maternal-Child Health Outreach Coordinator
09.2009 - 12.2010
FAHA Project Coordinator
08.2008 - 12.2008
Master of Public Health (MPH) -
University of Gondar
01.2007 - 01.2009
Chief Medical Officer
06.2005 - 07.2007
College Instructor
04.2003 - 06.2005
Medical Officer / Health Officer
09.2000 - 04.2003
Bachelor of Science - Public Health
Dilla Universality
01.1996 - 01.2000