Philmon Dejen - scabies - Young Researcher Award

Debre Berhan University - Ethiopia

AUTHOR PROFILE

ORCID 

🌱 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Philmon Dejen Afrasa’s journey in the medical sciences began with an earnest commitment to public health. Born with an innate curiosity about infectious diseases, he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Technology from Jimma University in 2017. During his undergraduate years, he exhibited a strong interest in parasitic infections, with early research touching upon scabies and other neglected tropical diseases. He further honed his expertise by attaining an MSc in Medical Parasitology from Hawassa University in 2024. His graduate studies coincided with his frontline role during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he led a laboratory technology team, showcasing leadership and technical precision. Philmon’s academic roots laid a solid foundation for his work on scabies, particularly in Ethiopia’s southern regions. His educational journey was not merely about acquiring knowledge—it was a springboard for impactful research on parasitic diseases. Scabies became one of the central themes of his study, as he sought to understand its burden on vulnerable populations. His academic training instilled a commitment to exploring how parasitic infections like scabies intersect with broader public health issues. This early period cultivated a strong scientific ethic and a deep concern for Ethiopia’s endemic disease challenges.

🧪 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS IN PARASITOLOGY

After completing his academic training, Philmon Dejen Afrasa transitioned into a pivotal role as a lecturer and researcher at Debre Berhan University. His professional focus immediately gravitated toward infectious diseases, particularly scabies, malaria, and intestinal parasites. With over five years of experience in medical parasitology, he became a key figure in both academic instruction and community health initiatives. Philmon not only guided future professionals in laboratory diagnostics but also spearheaded public health campaigns that highlighted the impacts of scabies in densely populated and underserved districts. His commitment to applied science was evident in projects such as the ongoing study of intestinal parasites in Hossana Prison and his systemic reviews on Plasmodium falciparum. These efforts illustrated his broad yet focused scope on diseases affecting Ethiopia’s most vulnerable. His investigation into scabies prevalence in Hawassa Zuria was instrumental in identifying risk factors like overcrowding and poor sanitation. As a professional, Philmon balanced his roles as an educator, researcher, and public health advocate. Scabies remained at the core of his work, often serving as a model disease to explore systemic healthcare inequalities. His career reflects a synthesis of academic rigor and humanitarian focus, where scabies became both a subject and a symbol of broader social responsibility.

🔬 RESEARCH FOCUS & SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTIONS

Philmon Dejen Afrasa’s research portfolio is a testament to his dedication to parasitic diseases, particularly scabies and malaria. His landmark cross-sectional study published in PLOS ONE provided critical epidemiological data on scabies in Hawassa Zuria, Ethiopia. By examining socioeconomic and environmental determinants, his work brought national attention to an often-neglected condition. His studies go beyond identification and prevalence, offering insights into policy formation and intervention strategies. Philmon has led or participated in six major research projects, including investigations on malaria gene deletions, intestinal parasites, and glucose disorders, each tethered to broader public health implications. Scabies has been a consistent thread, used as a lens to examine healthcare access and community hygiene. His systematic reviews on Plasmodium falciparum gene deletions have implications for malaria diagnosis across Ethiopia, while his work on Anopheles species provides vector control insights. His collaborative efforts with Australian and Ethiopian researchers underscore a growing international footprint. In every study, the presence of scabies either directly or thematically anchors the investigation, reflecting its significance in his research universe. Philmon’s scientific output is small in number but rich in policy relevance, methodological soundness, and real-world application, consistently elevating the visibility of scabies as a research priority.

🏅 ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION

Philmon Dejen Afrasa’s dedication to parasitic disease research has earned him regional and international recognition. His nomination for the Young Scientist Award by the International Research Awards on Infectious Diseases affirms his growing influence in the medical parasitology field. Although his journal publications are currently limited in number, the depth and public health relevance of his work on scabies have captured the attention of peers and policymakers alike. His leadership during the COVID-19 crisis, where he managed laboratory operations and diagnostic procedures, further highlighted his organizational excellence and earned him institutional commendations. As a member of the Ethiopian Medical Laboratory Association (EMLA) and the Ethiopian Trainers Association (ETA), he contributes to academic dialogues on tropical diseases. The scientific community increasingly cites his findings on scabies prevalence and risk mapping, solidifying his reputation as a researcher of actionable insight. Despite limited publishing output, Philmon’s participation in collaborative international projects, including with researchers in Australia, reinforces the credibility and utility of his research. Scabies remains a focal point in his achievements, recognized as both a scientific and humanitarian concern. His accolades underscore how a singular focus—like scabies—can elevate a researcher's standing and drive meaningful public health interventions.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH

Philmon Dejen Afrasa’s influence extends well beyond academia, touching the lives of thousands in Ethiopia through community-based research and interventions. His investigation into scabies brought to light how overlooked diseases devastate vulnerable populations, particularly in overcrowded and under-resourced districts. His research findings have directly informed local health policies, including hygiene education and targeted treatment campaigns. Philmon’s work on malaria and parasitic infections complements his scabies focus, forming a triad of public health concerns that disproportionately affect Ethiopia’s rural communities. His impact is also felt in correctional health settings, where his ongoing study in Hossana Prison seeks to curb the spread of intestinal parasites. Scabies, as a marker of socio-economic disparity, remains a recurring theme in his advocacy and scholarly output. Through his collaborations and mentorship of young scientists at Debre Berhan University, he fosters a culture of evidence-based practice and community responsiveness. His emphasis on translating research into action ensures that scientific inquiry is not confined to journals but reaches the communities it aims to serve. Scabies research, in particular, has become a platform through which he challenges systemic neglect and promotes equity in healthcare access. His impact exemplifies science in service of humanity.

📚 LEGACY OF TEACHING AND MENTORSHIP

As a lecturer and mentor, Philmon Dejen Afrasa has made a lasting impression on the academic community at Debre Berhan University. His teaching transcends textbook theory, emphasizing real-world application, particularly in parasitology and diagnostic laboratory methods. Students regard him as both a rigorous scientist and a compassionate mentor, especially when discussing diseases like scabies that affect their own communities. Through mentorship, he encourages critical thinking, community engagement, and the ethical pursuit of public health solutions. He has supervised numerous student research projects, many of which examine scabies or other neglected parasitic conditions. His legacy lies not just in his own studies, but in the research he inspires in others. Scabies remains an anchor topic through which he teaches fundamental research skills, epidemiological thinking, and the social determinants of health. His approach is interdisciplinary—integrating public health, laboratory science, and clinical awareness. This blend equips his students to become competent, compassionate professionals. Philmon’s commitment to mentorship helps sustain a new generation of scientists who will continue to explore scabies and similar challenges. Through education, he ensures his influence multiplies, creating a ripple effect that expands the reach of scabies research and strengthens Ethiopia’s healthcare infrastructure for years to come.

🚀 FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS & GLOBAL VISION

Looking ahead, Philmon Dejen Afrasa envisions a future where neglected diseases like scabies receive the global attention they deserve. His upcoming work includes more comprehensive studies on scabies outbreaks in displaced populations and an expanded collaboration with international research institutions. He also aims to publish a full series on the socio-ecological dimensions of scabies and malaria in Ethiopia, bridging clinical research with anthropological insight. Philmon’s research agenda focuses not only on identifying disease prevalence but also on developing sustainable intervention frameworks. He is currently pursuing funding for a multi-site project across rural Ethiopia to develop community-based treatment and prevention models for scabies and intestinal parasites. As global health continues to emphasize equity, his scabies research will serve as a cornerstone in discussions around marginalized populations and health access. Philmon plans to leverage digital health tools to enhance surveillance and rapid response systems for parasitic outbreaks. He aspires to be a leading voice in shaping Ethiopia’s public health research priorities, ensuring that scabies, among other diseases, is no longer overlooked. His future contributions promise to deepen scientific understanding while transforming public health systems—positioning scabies at the heart of a globally relevant, equity-focused research vision.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

• Title: Assessment of scabies and its associated factors in Hawassa Zuria District, Southern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

• Authors: Philmon Dejen, Dereje Oljira Donacho, Mekonnen Girma, Adane Chernet, Susana Vaz Nery, Techalew Shimelis

• Journal: PLOS ONE