About Mekdes Daba, new Health Minister

Team lead at the Deputy Director General Office of World Health Organization, HQ, Geneva. Senior Obstetrician and Gynecologist and a public health specialist. More than ten years of experience in clinical practice and academics. The first female Family Planning and Reproductive Health subspecialist in Ethiopia. Completed a medical undergraduate degree at Hawassa University and did a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at AAU. Finished FP fellowship at St.Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College and did a post-doctoral fellowship at WHO, Geneva.

Immediate past President and former Honorary Secretary of the Ethiopian Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Recipient of FIGO 2021 women’s award.

Former managing director of the centre for international reproductive health training (CIRHT). Served as a chair and member of the civil society advisory group of UN Women Ethiopia, the technical advisory group of WHO AFRO, country representative of ECSACOG, member of FIGO committee on REI, scientific committee and community of practice in RH.

Believes in evidence-based Advocacy. Is an Advocate for gender equality, universal health coverage, community involvement, family planning and women empowerment. Great passion for serving women and girls.

«Leaving No One Behind» and
«Being an active contributor to a positive change»
are the two themes that move Mekdes.

Believes in servant leadership and says leadership is a means to bring the best out of everything if used or done as it should be!

Mekdes Daba, our new Minister of Health

She is the first woman to complete this fellowship program in Ethiopia.