Dr. Endegena Abebe Gemta is an accomplished academic and health policy leader with a profound background in biomedical sciences. He earned his PhD in Biomedical Sciences (Physiology) from Addis Ababa University, complementing his Master's degree in Human Physiology from Suez Canal University’s Institute of Biotechnology in Egypt. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Anesthesiology from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia.
Currently, Dr. Endegena serves as the Lead Executive Officer for Policy, Strategy, and Research at the Federal Ministry of Health Ethiopia. In this role, he is instrumental in enhancing evidence-informed decision-making through collaborative evidence generation with various partners. His responsibilities include identifying, testing, and scaling health system innovations, planning and evaluating health policies aligned with national priorities, and guiding research agendas in collaboration with universities and research institutions. He also coordinates knowledge translation platforms across the healthcare system and facilitates the preparation and dissemination of vital health research evidence.
Over the past 19 years, Dr. Endegena has held various leadership roles at Hawassa University and Mettu University, culminating in his position as university president. His tenure has been marked by a commitment to aligning university policies with national goals, revising strategic plans, and fostering collaborations with national and international academic and research institutions. He has taken the lead in research focused on cancer, physical activity, and human behaviors, while actively contributing to the development of M.Sc. curricula in Medical Microbiology and Biochemistry.
A dedicated educator, Dr. Endegena delivers lectures to medical students, prepares laboratory manuals, and revises standard operating procedures for clinical practices. He manages six academic units, including a core clinical lab, and serves as the Secretary of the Academic Council of the Faculty of Medicine.
His commitment to research is evident in his published work, with over 20 articles in reputable journals.