Yibeltal Alemu

Dr. Yibeltal Assefa Alemu is an Associate Professor of Global Health and Health Systems at the School of Public Health, University of Queensland. His research program focuses on global health, health systems, and primary health care, with a particular emphasis on advancing universal health coverage (UHC) and global health security (GHS). He coordinates and delivers courses on health systems and global health, focusing on developing the next generation of public health leaders through innovative, authentic, and evidence-based education. He also supervises and advises HDR students working on topics such as global health, health systems, primary health care, UHC and GHS.

Before joining the University of Queensland in 2016, Dr. Alemu built an extensive career in health policy, program implementation, and disease control at both national and global levels. Since 2007, he has contributed to the design of implementation and treatment guidelines, as well as monitoring and evaluation frameworks for disease control programs (DCPs). He has led national surveys, surveillance initiatives, and program evaluations in Ethiopia and across sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular focus on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and health systems strengthening.

Leadership and Professional Experience

• Deputy Director General, Ethiopian Public Health Institute (2013–2016): Coordinated national surveys, surveillance, and evaluations on health systems, nutrition, and disease control programs; supervised doctoral and master’s students from Ethiopia and Europe; and examined graduate theses.
• Executive Director, International Institute for Primary Health Care (2015–2016): Founded the institute in collaboration with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, developed its organizational structure, and recruited its inaugural staff.
• Director of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation, Federal HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office, Ethiopia (2010–2013): Designed and implemented monitoring and evaluation systems for Ethiopia’s multisectoral HIV/AIDS response, and coordinated national strategic and operational plans.
• Director of Medical Services, Federal Ministry of Health, Ethiopia (2008–2010): Led health system reforms, including hospital and primary care restructuring and the establishment of a national emergency medical services program.
• Head of the Health Programs Department, Federal HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office (2006–2008): Directed the health sector response to HIV/AIDS and other STIs, developing national guidelines, training manuals, and mentorship programs.
• Medical Director, Humera District Hospital, Ethiopia (2002–2005): Oversaw hospital operations, service delivery, and health outcomes.
• General Medical Practitioner, Humera District Hospital, Ethiopia (2001–2005): Delivered clinical services across outpatient and inpatient departments.

Research, Publications, and Global Engagement

Dr. Alemu has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and played a leading role in the development of 10 national guidelines and training manuals on HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. He has also contributed to more than five WHO global guidelines, including the WHO consolidated antiretroviral therapy (ART) guidelines. His work has significantly shaped Ethiopia’s and other resource-limited settings’ responses to HIV/AIDS and is frequently cited in WHO global policy documents.

He has held influential positions on international expert panels, including:

• WHO Consolidated Guidelines for ARV Use (2015)
• Technical Evaluation Reference Group, Global Fund (2012–2015)
• Core Group for WHO Patient Monitoring System for ARV Use (2013–2014)
• WHO Advisory Group on Task Shifting for HIV Treatment (2007)

Through his leadership, teaching, and research, Dr. Alemu continues to shape policy and practice in global health, health systems, disease control, and primary health care, advancing the global agenda for equitable and sustainable health.