PhD Application

Bersabeh Mekasha Kassaye

Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

 

Characterization of Maternal Immunization acceptance readiness against RSV in the Ethiopian context: System, logistics and community readiness in the effort of bracing for the upcoming new vaccines

Bersabeh Mekasha Kassaye is a Clinical Research Fellow and a PhD candidate at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She holds an MSc in Sexual and Reproductive Health Research from LSHTM, which she pursued as a recipient of the Chevening scholarship. She currently manages the Maternal Immunization Readiness Network in Africa and Asia (MIRNA) initiative in Ethiopia. Previously, Bersabeh was a General Practitioner at Dejen Primary Hospital and Debre Markos Comprehensive Hospital, an academic staff at Debre Markos University and an Associate Researcher at the Armauer Hansen Research Institute. She also coordinated Sexual Health Education for Better Awareness (SHEBA) and Project Sexual Health Education Matters (SHE Matters).

Bersabeh is an alumnus of several prestigious programs, including the Young African Leaders Initiative-East Africa, Women Deliver Young Leaders program, Rise UP Youth Champions Initiative, and the Mandela Washington Fellowship program. Her research interests include; Reproductive and Maternal health, child health, Immunization, Maternal Immunization, Gender-Based Violence.

PhD Supervisors

  1. Anthony Scott, Professor of Vaccine Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
  2. Nega Assefa, Professor of  Maternal and Child Health, Haramaya University

  3. Sandra Mounier-Jack, Professor of Health Systems and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

     

Clinico-epidemiologic Considerations in the Diagnosis of Tuberculous Lymphadenitis: Evidence from a high burden country

SRHR as an Essential Component of COVID-19 Mitigation Response in Ethiopia [2022]: Policy Brief on SRHR as an Essential Component of COVID-19 Mitigation Response in Ethiopia, EMEWA

COVID-19 Vaccine: Side Effects After the First Dose of the Oxford AstraZeneca Vaccine Among Health Professionals in Low-Income Country: Ethiopia.

The First Eighty-Four (84) Days of COVID-19 in Africa: Analysis of Incidence and Deaths Associated with COVID-19

Demographic and mortality analysis of hospitalized children at a referral hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Haleluya Leulseged Kassaye

Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Neo Precision Study: Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Neonatal Sepsis, Perinatal Asphyxia, Necrotizing Enterocolitis, and Meningitis

Haleluya Leulseged Kassaye, is  dedicated medical doctor, public health expert, and researcher pursuing a PhD at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He holds an MD and an MPH in Epidemiology from Haramaya University, and an MSc in Clinical Trials from LSHTM. Dr. Haleluya has served as Research Coordinator, and Haramaya Site Lead for the CHAMPS program at HHR. His PhD research, titled “Neo Precision Study: Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Neonatal Sepsis, Perinatal Asphyxia, Necrotizing Enterocolitis, and Meningitis”, focuses on identifying diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for neonatal conditions like sepsis, perinatal asphyxia, necrotizing entericolitis, and meningitis. The study will be conducted at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital, Ethiopia and involves collaboration with ISGlobal, Barcelona, and other global institutions under the EChiLiBRiST consortium. Haleluya has published in reputable journals, including The Lancet Global Health and BMJ Pediatrics Open.

PhD Supervisors

  1. Lola Madrid, Paediatrician, and Clinical Associate Professor in Epidemology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
  2. Charles Opondo, Associate Professor of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
  3. Nega Assefa, Professor of  Maternal and Child Health, Haramaya University

The discrepancy of antemortem clinical diagnosis and postmortem autopsy diagnosis of lung pathologies in under-five deaths and the reasons for discrepancies: a case series analysis.

Clinicopathological discrepancies in the diagnoses of childhood causes of death in the CHAMPS network: An analysis of antemortem diagnostic inaccuracies. 

Helina Heluf Gebrekidan

Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and International Health

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Understanding neural tube defects in eastern Ethiopia; burden, determinants, feasibility and acceptability of a future national mandatory food fortification program to prevent neural tube defects

Helina Heluf is a PhD student at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She holds a BSc in Nursing and an MSc in Adult Health Nursing from Haramaya University, Ethiopia. With a strong background in research, Helina has a proven track record of academic and professional achievements. She has dedicated five years of her career to teaching at Haramaya University, serving as a Graduate Assistant, Assistant Lecturer, and Lecturer. During this time, she actively engaged in research, securing various research grants within the university.  Helina’s research interests encompass a broad spectrum, with a particular focus on maternal and child health. She has actively participated in various research projects and has a growing publication record in these areas. Currently, she is a Research Assistant at Hararghe Health Research (HHR), actively contributing to the Spine bifida and Anencephaly in Ethiopia, foLate for prevenTion (SALT) project.

PhD Supervisors

  1. Lola Madrid, Paediatrician, and Clinical Associate Professor in Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
  2. Hannah Blencowe, Associate Professor, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
  3. Kedir Teji Roba, Associate Professor in Nutrition, Haramaya University

Pattern and outcome of acute organophosphate poisoning at health facilities of Harari Region, Eastern Ethiopia

Survival Status and Predictors of Mortality Among Women with Uterine Rupture at Public Hospitals of Eastern Ethiopia. Semi-Parametric Survival Analysis

Mortality and its predictors among mothers diagnosed with Postpartum Hemorrhage in Public Hospitals in Harari Region, Ethiopia

Adherence to anti-asthma medications among adult asthmatic patients in Eastern Ethiopia: A multi-center cross-sectional study

Current alcohol, tobacco, and khat use and associated factors among adults living in Harari regional state, eastern Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study

Factors associated with uncontrolled asthma among adult asthmatic patients in eastern Ethiopia: A multicenter study

Factors associated with poor medication adherence during COVID-19 pandemic among hypertensive patients visiting public hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Health status of street children and reasons for being forced to live on the streets in Harar, Eastern Ethiopia. Using mixed methods

Neonatal Mortality and Associated Factors Among Neonates Admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Dil Chora Referral Hospital, Dire Dawa City, Ethiopia, 2021: A Facility-Based Study

Community risk perception and health-seeking behavior in the era of COVID-19 among adult residents of Harari regional state,

Hiwot Yigzaw Bizuayehu

Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Pneumococcal Carriage Studies to Estimate the Impact of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in Ethiopia

Hiwot Yigzaw Bizuayehu is a dedicated public health professional with a BSc and an MPH in General Public Health. She has been engaged in public health research since 2019. Currently, Hiwot is a PhD candidate at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, where she focuses on Pneumococcal Carriage Studies to assess the impact of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines in Ethiopia. She is part of the Infectious Disease Epidemiology department and is involved in the parent project titled “Using Pneumococcal Carriage and Invasiveness to Inform Vaccine Policy in Tropical Africa.” Hiwot’s study aims to inform and improve vaccine policies in resource-limited settings, reflecting her commitment to enhancing public health outcomes. 

PhD Supervisors 

  1. Anthony Scott, Professor of Vaccine Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
  2. Katherine Gallagher, PhD,  London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
  3. Yadeta Desie, PhD in Public Health, Haramaya University

Ketema Degefa Begna
Social and Cultural Anthropology

Vrije universiteit Amsterdam

Between biomedicine and culture: the role of malnutrition in child mortality in Ethiopia

Ketema Degefa is a socio-behavioral researcher focusing on child and maternal health, child mortality, nutrition challenges, and maternal vaccine acceptance. Ketema, holds BA in Social Anthropology and MA in Development Economics from University of Gondar and St. Mary University, respectively. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Social Sciences to investigate how social determinants are crucial in understanding child malnutrition. Fusing his academic background in Anthropology with healthcare research, he has contributed to public health journals and conducted regional studies on child health in Ethiopia, focusing on the social determinants of health. Ketema’s PhD project investigates the role of social determinants in understanding child malnutrition. The findings will inform nutrition intervention activities and help develop a plan to reduce malnutrition and related child mortality. The findings of the project are expected to yield original scientific results that will significantly contribute to the fields of science and public health.

PhD Supervisors

  1. Freek Colombijn, Associate Professor, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
  2. Luisa T. Schneider, Assistant Professor, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
  3. Kedir Teji Roba, Associate Professor in Nutrition, Haramaya University

Publications

Using traditional healers to treat child malnutrition: a qualitative study of health-seeking behavior in eastern Ethiopia

Child mortality in Eastern Ethiopia: acceptability of Postmortem minimally invasive tissue sampling in a predominantly muslim community.

Using traditional healers to treat child malnutrition: a qualitative study of health-seeking behaviour in eastern Ethiopia. 

Contribution of malnutrition to infant and child deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

Malnutrition, A Major Health Challenge in Kersa, Ethiopia: Opportunities for Action from the CHAMPS network. 

Things That Take from People’s Bodies: Rumours about Minimally Invasive Tissue Sampling and Evil Spirits in Ethiopia.

Causes of stillbirth and death among children younger than 5 years in eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia: a population-based post-mortem study. 

Setting up child health and mortality prevention surveillance in Ethiopia. 

Investigating the Feasibility of Child Mortality Surveillance with Postmortem Tissue Sampling: Generating Constructs and Variables to Strengthen Validity and Reliability in Qualitative Research. 

Lemma Demissie Regassa
Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and International Health
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Epidemiology of meningococcal carriage and seroepidemiology of antibodies against serogroups A and X among residents living in two sites in Ethiopia to advance the routine introduction of conjugate meningococcal vaccines

Lemma Demissie is a PhD student in infectious disease epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). He holds a BSc in Public Health from University of Gondar and an MPH in Biostatistics from Haramaya University. His PhD research focuses on studying the epidemiology of N. meningitidis carriage and the seroepidemiology of meningococcal serogroup A to inform meningococcal conjugate vaccine policy in Ethiopia. Since 2015, he has served as an assistant professor of Biostatistics at Haramaya University’s School of Public Health. Lemma is also a research assistant at the Hararghe Health Research Partnership (HHR). His primary research interest is investigating the epidemiology of vaccine-preventable diseases (PVDs) and the impact of vaccine policies on their dynamics. He is currently collaborating and applying advanced statistical modeling techniques, including survey, longitudinal, and survival methods, to address public health problems using quantitative triangulation methods.

PhD Supervisors

  1. Anthony Scott, Professor of Vaccine Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
  2. Nega Assefa, Professor of  Maternal and Child Health, Haramaya University
  3. Caroline L. Trotter, Professor of Global Health, University of Cambridge

Tolera M, Birhanu A, Regassa LD, Getachew T, Negash A, Jibro U, et al. Further analysis of determinants of Pentavalent and Measles immunizations dropouts among children under five years of age in Ethiopia from Mini-EDHS 2019. BMC Health Serv Res. 2024;24(1):1527.

Tolera A, Weldesenbet AB, Regassa LD, Tusa BS, Merga BT, Tariku M, et al. Health service providers experience of psycho-emotional violence and associated factors among urban hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia. Front Public Health. 2024;12:1361243.

Tola A, Assefa N, Dessie Y, Oljira L, Regassa LD, Gure T, et al. Epidemiology of hyperglycemia during pregnancy in Ethiopia: prevalence, associated factors, and feto-maternal outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis. Syst Rev. 2024;13(1):116.

Tekola A, Regassa LD, Mandefro M, Shawel S, Kassa O, Shasho F, et al. Body image dissatisfaction is associated with perceived body weight among secondary school adolescents in Harar Town, eastern Ethiopia. Front Psychiatry. 2024;15:1397155.

Tekola A, Regassa LD, Berhanu H, Mandefro M, Shawel S, Kassa O, et al. Disordered eating behaviors and associated factors among secondary school adolescents in Harar town, eastern Ethiopia: cross-sectional study. Front Psychiatry. 2024;15:1459073.

Raru TB, Merga BT, Deressa A, Birhanu A, Ayana GM, Negash B, ….. Regassa, LD. Coverage and determinants of HIV testing and counseling services among mothers attending antenatal care in sub-Saharan African countries: a multilevel analysis. BMC Public Health. 2024;24(1):910.

Negash A, Getachew T, Regassa LD, Deressa A, Cheru A, Jibro U, et al. Labor Pain Management in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pain Manag Nurs. 2024.

Mussa I, Jibro U, Sertu A, Deressa A, Mohammed F, Regassa LD, et al. Burden of irregular menstrual cycle and its predictors among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis. SAGE Open Med. 2024;12:20503121241259623.

Mussa I, Gamachu M, Regassa LD, Birhanu A, Mohammed F, Weyessa AD, et al. Maternal socio-economic status determines animal source food consumption of children aged 6-23 months in East African countries: a multilevel mixed-effects generalized linear model. Front Nutr. 2024;11:1336568.

Mussa I, Debella A, Maruta MB, Getachew T, Regassa LD, Gamachu M, et al. Fetal malnutrition among neonates in African countries: a CAN score systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr J. 2024;23(1):102.

Mussa I, Debella A, M BM, Getachew T, Regassa LD, Gamachu M, et al. Correction: Fetal malnutrition among neonates in African countries: a CAN score systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr J. 2024;23(1):120.

Mahtab S, Madewell ZJ, Baillie V, Dangor Z, Lala SG, Assefa N, Berihun M, Madrid L, Regassa LD, Scott JAG, Ameh S, Bangura JS, Ita O, Kaluma E, Ogbuanu IU, Gaume B, Kotloff KL, Sow SO, Tapia MD, Ajanovic S, Garrine M, Mandomando I, Varo R, Xerinda EG, Alam M, El Arifeen S, Gurley ES, Hossain MZ, Rahman A, Akelo V, Igunza KA, Onyango C, Onyango D, Verani JR, Mutevedzi P, Whitney CG, Blau DM, Madhi SA, Bassat Q; CHAMPSconsortium. Etiologies and comorbidities of meningitis deaths in children under 5 years in high-mortality settings: Insights from the CHAMPS Network in the post-pneumococcal vaccine era. J Infect. 2024 Dec;89(6):106341. doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2024.106341. Epub 2024 Nov 8. PMID: 39521254; PMCID: PMC11624489.

Getachew Z, Asefa N, Gashaw T, Birhanu A, Debella A, Balis B, Jibro U, Tolera S, Motuma A, Gamachu M, Deressa A, Mohammed F, Tolera M, Eyeberu A, Regassa LD, Mussa I. Diarrheal disease and associated factors among children aged 6 to 59 months in Oda Bultum District, Eastern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study. BMC Infect Dis. 2024 Mar 12;24(1):303. doi: 10.1186/s12879-024-09169-4. PMID: 38475696; PMCID: PMC10929219..

Getachew T, Tura AK, Dheresa M, Niguse S, Balis B, Regassa LD, et al. Association between the use of herbal medicines during pregnancy and adverse fetal outcomes among mothers in eastern Ethiopia, 2023. Heliyon. 2024;10(24):e40941.

Getachew T, Negash A, Eyeberu A, Abdurahman D, Jibro U, Deressa A, et al. The burdens, associated factors, and reasons for traditional uvulectomy in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2024;176:111835.

Gamachu M, Mussa I, Deressa A, Tolera M, Birhanu A, Getachew T, Negash A, Jibro U, Abdurahman D, Motuma A, Mohammed F, Balis B, Regassa LD. Patterns of basic pneumococcal conjugated vaccine coverage in Ethiopia from 2015 to 2018; further analysis of Ethiopian DHS (2016-2019). Vaccine X. 2024 Jan 6;17:100428. doi: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2024.100428. PMID: 38299201; PMCID: PMC10825603.

Eshetu K, Regassa LD, Dehresa M, Genete D. Chronic Microvascular Complication of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Predictors Among Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Ethiopia; A Single Center Experience: Ambi Directional Cohort Study. Pediatric Health Med Ther. 2024;15:201-12.

Deressa A, Firdisa D, Birhanu A, Debella A, Gamachu M, Eyeberu A, Dechasa DB, Jibro U, Balis B, Tolera M, Regassa LD, Mussa I. Investigating factors influencing overweight and obesity among adult households in Ethiopia: a multilevel ordered analysis of 2016 EDHS data. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2024 Oct 14;15:1408090. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1408090. PMID: 39469574; PMCID: PMC11513308.

Degefu N, Jambo A, Regassa LD, Getachew M. In-hospital outcome and its predictors among patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema at a tertiary hospital in Harar, Eastern Ethiopia: a retrospective cohort study. J Pharm Policy Pract. 2024;17(1):2309294.

Abera A, Fenta EH, Woldehanna BT, Wolde FB, Legesse M, Regassa LD, et al. Impact of COVID-19 on essential healthcare services in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Implications for future pandemics. PLoS ONE. 2024;19(10):e0308861.

Raru TB, Merga BT, Mulatu G, Deressa A, Birhanu A, Negash B, Gamachu M, Regassa LD, Ayana GM, Roba KT. Minimum Dietary Diversity Among Children Aged 6-59 Months in East Africa Countries: A Multilevel Analysis. Int J Public Health. 2023 Jun 1;68:1605807. doi: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1605807. PMID: 37325176; PMCID: PMC10267305.

Motuma A, Gobena T, Roba KT, Berhane Y, Worku A, Regassa LD, et al. Co-occurrence of hypertension and type 2 diabetes: prevalence and associated factors among Haramaya University employees in Eastern Ethiopia. Front Public Health. 2023;11:1038694.

Merga BT, Raru TB, Deressa A, Regassa LD, Gamachu M, Negash B, et al. The effect of health insurance coverage on antenatal care utilizations in Ethiopia: evidence from national survey. Front Health Serv. 2023;3:1101164.

Degefu N, Edessa D, Getachew M, Motuma A, Regassa LD. In-hospital mortality and length of stay of patients with hypertensive crisis treated at public hospitals in Harari Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2023;25(10):905-14.

Cheru A, Edessa D, Regassa LD, Gobena T. Incidence and predictors of chronic kidney disease among patients with diabetes treated at governmental hospitals of Harari Region, eastern Ethiopia, 2022. Front Public Health. 2023;11:1290554.

Roba AA, Tola A, Dugassa D, Tefera M, Gure T, Worku T, Ayele AT, Dasa TT, Workie HM, Asfaw MM, Asfaw A, Mesfin F, Regassa LD, Dessie Y, Abera F, Yeshitila M, Girma M, Gezahagn M, Tezera F, Assefa N, Roba KT. Antenatal care utilization and nutrition counseling are strongly associated with infant and young child feeding knowledge among rural/semi-urban women in Harari region, Eastern Ethiopia. Front Pediatr. 2022 Sep 29;10:1013051. doi: 10.3389/fped.2022.1013051. PMID: 36245728; PMCID: PMC9557120.

Regassa LD, Tola A, Weldesenbet AB, Tusa BS. Prevalence and associated factors of home delivery in Eastern Africa: Further analysis of data from the recent Demographic and Health Survey data. SAGE Open Med. 2022;10:20503121221088083.

Regassa LD, Tola A, Daraje G, Dheresa M. Trends and determinants of pregnancy loss in eastern Ethiopia from 2008 to 2019: analysis of health and demographic surveillance data. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2022;22(1):671.

Motuma A, Regassa LD, Gobena T, Teji Roba K, Berhane Y, Worku A. Almost all working adults have at least one risk factor for non-communicable diseases: Survey of working adults in Eastern Ethiopia. PLoS ONE. 2022;17(2):e0264698.

Kibret H, Tadesse B, Debella A, Degefa M, Regassa LD. Level and predictors of nurse caring behaviors among nurses serving in inpatient departments in public hospitals in Harari region, eastern Ethiopia. BMC Nurs. 2022;21(1):76.

Haeuser E, Serfes AL, Cork MA, Yang M, Abbastabar H, Abhilash ES, et al. Mapping age- and sex-specific HIV prevalence in adults in sub-Saharan Africa, 2000-2018. BMC Med. 2022;20(1):488.

Challa JM, Getachew T, Debella A, Merid M, Atnafe G, Eyeberu A, Birhanu A, Regassa LD. Inadequate Hand Washing, Lack of Clean Drinking Water and Latrines as Major Determinants of Cholera Outbreak in Somali Region, Ethiopia in 2019. Front Public Health. 2022 May 6;10:845057. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.845057. PMID: 35602140; PMCID: PMC9120658..

Bekele H, Debella A, Getachew T, Balis B, Tamiru D, Eyeberu A, Tiruye G, Kure MA, Habte S, Eshetu B, Regassa LD, Mesfin S, Alemu A, Dessie Y, Shiferaw K. Prevalence of Group B Streptococcus Recto-Vaginal Colonization, Vertical Transmission, and Antibiotic Susceptibility Among Pregnant Women in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Public Health. 2022 May 16;10:851434. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.851434. PMID: 35651858; PMCID: PMC9149289.

Ayana GM, Raru TB, Deressa A, Regassa LD, Gamachu M, Negash B, et al. Association of alcohol consumption with abortion among ever-married reproductive age women in Ethiopia: A multilevel analysis. Front Glob Womens Health. 2022;3:1028166.

GBD collaborators G. Progress in health among regions of Ethiopia, 1990-2019: a subnational country analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Lancet. 2022;399(10332):1322-35.

Tusa BS, Weldesenbet AB, Gemada AT, Merga BT, Regassa LD. Heath related quality of life and associated factors among diabetes patients in sub-Saharan countries: a systemic review and meta-analysis. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2021;19(1):31.

Tola A, Regassa LD, Ayele Y. Prevalence and associated factors of diabetic foot ulcers among type 2 diabetic patients attending chronic follow-up clinics at governmental hospitals of Harari Region, Eastern Ethiopia: A 5-year (2013-2017) retrospective study. SAGE Open Med. 2021;9:2050312120987385.

Sori SA, Teji Roba K, Yadeta TA, Jiru HD, Metebo KN, Weldekidan HA, Regassa LD. Knowledge of preconception care and associated factors among maternal health care providers working in urban public health institutions of Eastern Ethiopia. Womens Health (Lond). 2021 Jan-Dec;17:17455065211046139. doi: 10.1177/17455065211046139. PMID: 34553661; PMCID: PMC8474347.

Regassa LD, Tola A. Magnitude and predictors of hospital admission, readmission, and length of stay among patients with type 2 diabetes at public hospitals of Eastern Ethiopia: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Endocr Disord. 2021;21(1):74.

GBD collaborators. Anemia prevalence in women of reproductive age in low- and middle-income countries between 2000 and 2018. Nat Med. 2021;27(10):1761-82.

Getaneh DK, Hordofa LO, Ayana DA, Tessema TS, Regassa LD. Prevalence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and associated factors in under-five children in Eastern Ethiopia. PLoS ONE. 2021;16(1):e0246024.

Fekadu Wakasa B, Oljira L, Demena M, Regassa LD, Binu Daga W. Risky sexual behavior and associated factors among sexually experienced secondary school students in Guduru, Ethiopia. Prev Med Rep. 2021;23:101398.

Dheresa M, Dessie Y, Negash B, Balis B, Getachew T, Mamo Ayana G, Merga BT, Regassa LD. Child Vaccination Coverage, Trends and Predictors in Eastern Ethiopia: Implication for Sustainable Development Goals. J Multidiscip Healthc. 2021 Sep 21;14:2657-2667. doi: 10.2147/JMDH.S325705. PMID: 34584421; PMCID: PMC8464587.

GBD collaborators G. Mapping inequalities in exclusive breastfeeding in low- and middle-income countries, 2000-2018. Nat Hum Behav. 2021;5(8):1027-45.

Assefa N, Regassa LD, Teklemariam Z, Oundo J, Madrid L, Dessie Y, et al. Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in women attending antenatal care in eastern Ethiopia: a facility-based surveillance. BMJ Open. 2021;11(11):e055834.

GBD collaborator. Global, regional, and national sex-specific burden and control of the HIV epidemic, 1990-2019, for 204 countries and territories: the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2019. Lancet HIV. 2021;8(10):e633-e51.

Yadeta TA, Mengistu B, Gobena T, Regassa LD. Spatial pattern of perinatal mortality and its determinants in Ethiopia: Data from Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2016. PLoS ONE. 2020;15(11):e0242499.

Tola Gemeda A, Regassa LD, Weldesenbet AB, Merga BT, Legesse N, Tusa BS. Adherence to antihypertensive medications and associated factors among hypertensive patients in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis. SAGE Open Med. 2020;8:2050312120982459.

Regassa LD, Tola A, Ayele Y. Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease and Associated Factors Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Selected Hospitals of Harari Region, Eastern Ethiopia. Front Public Health. 2020;8:532719.

GBD collaborators. Five insights from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Lancet. 2020;396(10258):1135-59.

Regassa LD, Gete YK, Mekonnen FA. Time to acute kidney injury and its predictors among newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetic patients at government hospitals in Harari Region, East Ethiopia. PLoS ONE. 2019;14(5):e0215967.

Yasir Yunus Abdullahi
Department of Population Health

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Multi-sectoral nutrition implementation, the burden of micronutrient deficiency, and its dietary intake optimization among pregnant women

Yasir Yunus Abdullahi, frontline healthcare worker and regional hospital leader is a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) candidate in Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. His DrPH study focuses on multi-sectoral nutrition implementation, the burden of micronutrient deficiency, and its dietary intake optimization among pregnant women. Yasir did an Organizational Policy Analysis (OPA), which equips DrPHers with hands-on, real-life policy analysis skills in the real world. His DrPH thesis or his second Research Study Two (RSII), nested on the Assessing the Role of Micronutrients in CHAMPS (ARM-CHAMPS) project, will assess the burden of micronutrient deficiencies in pregnant women and its link to adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. In his thesis, Yasir will estimate dietary inadequacies of essential micronutrients among pregnant women, their variation across trimesters, and ways to optimize their intakes using locally available foods using mathematical modeling. His findings will contribute to influence Ethiopian nutrition policy.

 DrPH Supervisors:

  1. Edward Joy, Associate Professor of Nutrition, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
  2. Lola Madrid, Pediatrician, and Clinical Associate Professor in Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
  3. Nega Assefa, Professor of  Maternal and Child Health, Haramaya University

The Continued Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Education and Mental Health among Sub-Saharan African Adolescents.

COVID-19 Preventive Practices, Psychological Distress, and Reported Barriers to Healthcare Access during the Pandemic among Adult Community Members in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Phone Survey.

Continued disruptions in health care services and mental health among health care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic in five sub-Saharan African countries

Dietary Iron Consumption Estimates among Women of Reproductive Age in Kersa, Eastern Ethiopia Cross-Sectional Study

Consumption of Dietary Folate Estimates and Its Implication for Reproductive Outcome among Women of Reproductive Age in Kersa: Cross-Sectional Survey

Effects of pre‐operative isolation on postoperative pulmonary complications after elective surgery: an international prospective cohort study

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study

SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and venous thromboembolism after surgery: an international prospective cohort study

Timing of surgery following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: an international prospective cohort study

COVID-19 Knowledge, Perception, Preventive Measures, Stigma, and Mental Health Among Healthcare Workers in Three Sub-Saharan African Countries: A Phone Survey

Reported Barriers to Healthcare Access and Service Disruptions Caused by COVID-19 in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and Nigeria: A Telephone Survey

Magnitude and Determinants of Immediate Adverse Neonatal Outcomes Among Babies Born by Cesarean Section in Public Hospitals in Harari Region, Eastern Ethiopia.

Yohanis Alemeshet Asefa
Department of Disease Control

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Burden, causes and risk factors of perinatal mortality in Eastern Ethiopia

Yohanis Alemeshet Asefa is a Public Health professional with a master’s degree in Epidemiology and Environmental Health. He has an experience of working in rural health centres in East Hararghe zone of Oromia region, Ethiopia. Completing his first master’s degree in environmental health, Yohanis joined Haramaya University’s College of Health and Medical Science as a Lecturer. His passion for addressing maternal and child health challenges has driven his current work as a research assistant at Hararghe Health Research since 2022. Currently, Yohanis is working on a perinatal mortality project, which aims to link two surveillance datasets to accurately estimate the perinatal mortality rate and extrapolation of the gold standard cause of death from Minimal Invasive Tissue Sampling (MITS) data collected by Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS).

PhD Supervisors

  1. Lars Åke Persson, Professor of Public Health Evaluation, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
  2. Anna Seale, Professor of Public Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
  3. Nega Assefa, Professor of Maternal and Child Health, Haramaya University

 Burden, causes, and risk factors of perinatal mortality in Eastern Africa: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Gates Open Res 2022; 6: 123.

 Bacteriological Quality and Public Health Risk of Ready-to-Eat Foods in Developing Countries: Systematic Review and Meta Analysis. Microbiol Insights 2022; 15: 11786361221113916.

 Occupational-Related Upper and Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Pain Among Working Population of Ethiopia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing. January 2022. 

 “Global Occupational Exposure to Blood and Body Fluids among Healthcare Workers: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology 2022 (2022).

“Healthcare Workers’ Compliance With Standard Precautions and Associated Factors in Bahir Dar Town, Ethiopia.” Environ Health Insights 16: 11786302221117071

Bacteriological quality of drinking water from source and point of use and associated factors among households in Eastern Ethiopia. PLOS ONE, 16(10), e0258806.

Household Water Treatment Practice and Associated Factors in Gibe District Southern Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Environ Health Insights. 2021 Nov 23;15:11786302211060150. 

Yunus Edris Kelil
Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Clinical epidemiology of serious bacterial infections (SBI) in children aged <5 years admitted to Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, eastern Ethiopia

Dr. Yunus Edris Kelil is a dedicated pediatrician at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital in eastern Ethiopia. Focused on improving child survival, he integrates clinical practice with biomedical research, particularly in childhood infectious diseases impacting children under five in resource-limited settings. He is a final-year part-time PhD fellow in Infectious Disease Epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), aiming to translate research findings into actionable health strategies prioritizing young children’s well-being. As a member of Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS- Ethiopia) DeCODe panel, he collaborates with experts to identify child mortality causes. His doctoral research on pediatric bacteraemia, titled “Serious Bacterial Infections (SBI) in children aged <5 years,” addresses antimicrobial resistance to foster sustainable pediatric care. This research is part of the CHAMPS project at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, with Dr. Yunus as the principal investigator.

 PhD Supervisors

  1. Anthony Scott, Professor of Vaccine Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
  2. Lola Madrid, Paediatrician, and Clinical Associate Professor in Epidemology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
  3. Desalegn Ayana, Clinical Microbiologist, Haramaya University
  4. Markus Roos Breines, Social and Behavioural Scientist, Fafo Institute for Labour and Social Research

“Neural Tube Defects and Associated Factors among Neonates Admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Harar, Ethiopia.” Global Pediatric Health. 

“Prioritising health-care strategies to reduce childhood mortality, insights from Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS): a longitudinal study.” The Lancet Global Health.

“Neural tube defects as a cause of death among stillbirths, infants, and children younger than five years in sub-Saharan Africa and southeast Asia: an analysis of the CHAMPS network.” The Lancet Global Health. 

“Clinical Characteristics and Valve Lesions in Rheumatic Heart Disease Among Children at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital: A Comparative Study of Newly Diagnosed and Known Cases”. Global Pediatric Health.