Bisrat Asfaw
Addis Ababa
Summary
Accomplished Public Health Specialist with a proven track record at UNICEF and USAID, enhancing healthcare delivery by 50% in crisis-affected regions through strategic project management and effective partnership coordination. Skilled in research, advocacy, and team leadership, I thrive in multicultural environments, demonstrating critical thinking and problem-solving to save millions of lives.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Public Health Emergency TA
UNICEF
10.2018 - 02.2024
- Led strategic efforts to maintain uninterrupted primary healthcare services in 60 drought/IDP/flood-affected districts, enhancing continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthening health systems
- Achieved a 50% improvement in service delivery and gender integration by supervising health facilities, monitoring progress, identifying gaps, building capacity, and mobilizing resources through stakeholder advocacy.
- Managed coordination efforts for the deployment and supervision of 50 mobile health/nutrition teams across 50 districts, with an emphasis on prioritizing the needs of children and mothers. Trained 1500 government health officers, achieving 2 Million immunizations and improved maternity care and sexual/reproductive health.
- Authored winning grant proposals to ECHO, USAID_BHA, EU, and Multiple Embassies, securing $350,000+ for enhancing Healthcare, WaSH, Gender equity, and Nutrition access in emergency-affected areas.
- Conducted needs, risk, vulnerability, and outbreak assessments for 33 districts’ development & humanitarian projects. Partnered with government & stakeholders to prioritize data-driven interventions & ensure equitable access. Led implementation and presented findings to stakeholders, including the UN agencies.
- Took prompt action and established partnerships with crucial stakeholders (Health, Youth/Women, EduTcation, Water Bureaus) throughout 33 districts. Despite access challenges, this collaborative effort saved the lives of 5 million at-risk individuals during over 20 outbreaks (cholera, COVID-19, malaria, measles, malnutrition) and multiple disasters (drought, IDP displacement, floods).
MEAL Coordinator
USAID Malaria SBCC Project
04.2018 - 09.2018
- Managed MEAL operations across ten districts, leading a team of 22. Established performance measurement frameworks and tools for evaluating project management benchmarks and KPIs and offered capacity-building training to cultivate expertise within the team
- Led data collection, analysis, and utilization for evidence-based decision-making. Implemented a comprehensive M&E system to enhance data analysis efficiency by 40%
- Delivered timely data dissemination to stakeholders via interactive dashboards. Managed work plans and budgets, securing resources to achieve malaria prevention awareness
- Monitored implementation, ensuring 85% of planned activities were completed on time and within budget
- Organized workshops and after-action reviews to facilitate knowledge exchange between USAID, partners, and the malaria SBCC project while nurturing a learning culture
- Successfully led action planning efforts to implement discovered insights for program enhancement
- Instituted a culture of community-driven accountability within the projects, promoting trust and collaboration through transparent information sharing, open communication, and inclusive participation. Implemented effective feedback loops and reporting channels for community input.
Malaria Control & Elimination Program Consultant
UNICEF
05.2016 - 05.2017
- Oversaw effective utilization of LLINs by managing a sub-national distribution campaign in partnership with FMOH, protecting and benefiting 11 million individuals. This contributed significantly to malaria prevention efforts
- Provided technical support for implementing national vector control guidelines and enhancing environmental management practices to impede mosquito breeding
- Delivered practical training sessions to improve the knowledge and skills of health professionals and HEWs in essential malaria case management and elimination strategies. This strengthened healthcare workers' capacity to combat the disease
- Implemented and managed micro-plans for essential malaria commodities to maintain adequate supply levels and meet the needs of health professionals. This minimized disruptions in treatment
- Led critical Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) operations in 15 zones. This resulted in a significant 71% reduction in malaria transmission rates in those regions, demonstrating the program's effectiveness
- Collaborated with the government health bureau on managing UNICEF financial resources for the program. This included reviewing spending and monitoring implementation to ensure efficient use of funds.
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Expert
Health Bureau
09.2013 - 04.2016
- Contributed to designing and implementing disease prevention and health promotion strategies within the governmental health office through active collaboration with diverse teams. This resulted in a 30% decrease in childhood illness rates and enhanced prevention efforts by implementing strategic initiatives
- Developed and implemented captivating health promotion resources targeting diverse audiences, resulting in a notable increase in the effectiveness of health education initiatives
- Facilitated effective communication between medical experts and health professionals, resulting in improved MNCH service delivery
- Implemented a multidisciplinary approach to prioritize person-centered care for mothers and children in primary healthcare settings
- Coordinated and executed various community outreach programs, strengthening the functionality of healthcare networks and extending services to reach underserved districts. This resulted in a 60% rise in the number of people accessing primary care
- Developed engaging health promotion materials for diverse audiences, significantly improving the effectiveness of health education interventions at all levels
- Regularly assessed the quality of primary healthcare (PHC) service delivery through comprehensive quarterly evaluations, ensuring adequate supplies and staffing
- Provided data-driven feedback and supported health facilities in managing quality gaps, leading to improved service delivery
- Coordinated and supervised sub-national Supplemental Immunization Activities (SIAs) for polio, measles, meningitis, and other critical vaccinations as part of outbreak response strategies. This ensured timely and effective immunizations to control outbreaks and protect populations.
Hospital Laboratory Head
Dilchora General Hospital
08.2008 - 10.2012
Education
Ph.D. - International Public Health
EUCLID UNIVERSITY
11.2022
Master of Public Health -
UNIVERSITY OF GONDAR
03.2013
BSc. Medical Laboratory -
HAROMAYA UNIVERSITY
07.2007
Skills
- Project Management
- Partnership and Coordination
- Research & Data Analysis
- Advocacy & Policy Analysis
- Team Leadership
- Scientific Writing
- Humanitarian Intervention
- Primary Health Care System Thinking
- Communication and Capacity Building
- Strategic Planning and Resource mobilization
- Multitask in multicultural
- Critical thinking and Problem Solving
Accomplishments
- Empowered 500+ Health workers in hard-to-reach areas for emergency response through risk analysis and management training
- Advanced collaboration through partnership and integrated gender equity in 50% of primary healthcare projects
Languages
English
Proficient
C2
French
Upper intermediate
B2
Personal Information
Title: Public Health Specialist
References
- Sacha Bootsma, WHO, 316 1477 0299, bootsmas@who.int
- Dr. Deng Chuol, UNICEF, 0911562348, dchuol@unicef.org
Timeline
Public Health Emergency TA
UNICEF
10.2018 - 02.2024
MEAL Coordinator
USAID Malaria SBCC Project
04.2018 - 09.2018
Malaria Control & Elimination Program Consultant
UNICEF
05.2016 - 05.2017
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Expert
Health Bureau
09.2013 - 04.2016
Hospital Laboratory Head
Dilchora General Hospital
08.2008 - 10.2012
Ph.D. - International Public Health
EUCLID UNIVERSITY
Master of Public Health -
UNIVERSITY OF GONDAR
BSc. Medical Laboratory -
HAROMAYA UNIVERSITY
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