LonAdd HR Consultancy Plc - Ethiopia
AUTHOR PROFILE
EARLY ACADEMIC ROOTS 🎓
Obsa Anbessa Gonfa began his academic journey at Haramaya University, where he earned a BSc in Public Health Officer followed by a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology. His education laid the foundation for a committed career in public health. From his early years, Obsa demonstrated an interest in addressing health inequities and understanding the complex intersections between health systems and community needs. His strong grounding in epidemiology and public health principles enabled him to engage in both fieldwork and research with confidence. The academic discipline he gained at Haramaya continues to influence his methodological approach to health surveillance, vaccine safety, and evidence-based policy. These formative years were pivotal in shaping his commitment to health advocacy, especially in underserved regions of Ethiopia. His educational background continues to serve as the backbone for his technical, managerial, and research contributions to public health.
PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 🏥
Obsa’s professional trajectory showcases a steady rise through critical roles in Ethiopia’s health sector. He has worked as a Junior Public Health Officer, PHC Unit Director, and District Health Office Head, consistently contributing to system-level improvements. His leadership extended to managing service delivery at the Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia and coordinating the WISH Project, where he focused on reproductive and maternal health services. Currently, he serves as a Subnational COVID-19 and Routine Immunization Vaccine Safety Monitoring Technical Assistant under UNICEF through LonAdd HR Consultancy. In this role, he provides vital support to Harari Regional Health Bureau, enhancing surveillance systems and ensuring vaccine safety. Obsa’s roles have always emphasized operational efficiency, clinical coordination, and evidence-informed health responses. His diverse experiences have shaped him into a multidimensional public health expert with a unique capacity for both grassroots implementation and strategic oversight.
RESEARCH AND INNOVATION FOCUS 🔬
Obsa Anbessa Gonfa has an active research profile rooted in pressing public health issues, with a particular focus on infectious diseases, immunization, and pharmacovigilance. He has completed and contributed to five key research projects, many of which address vaccine safety monitoring and maternal health service quality. His work has been published in respected journals such as BMC Infectious Diseases and the Canadian Journal of Infectious Disease and Medical Microbiology. His operational assessments and applied research have supported improved health program implementation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Obsa has also collaborated on the DEPA-GBV project in partnership with Haramaya University and CHAMPS. His integration of field-based insights with academic rigor ensures that research findings lead to real-world improvements. Whether through surveillance data analysis or collaborative institutional studies, his focus remains on ensuring that public health initiatives are both impactful and scientifically grounded.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO PUBLIC HEALTH 🧪
Obsa’s contributions span technical, managerial, and research domains. During the COVID-19 crisis, his leadership in vaccine safety monitoring ensured the success of regional immunization efforts. As Cluster Manager for the WISH Project and Clinical Coordinator at the Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia, he played a pivotal role in enhancing reproductive and maternal health services. His tenure as a District Health Office Head brought strengthened health system integration and improved service delivery at the grassroots level. Obsa’s work has directly informed health policy, supported surveillance systems, and provided critical insights through operational assessments. His efforts have not only addressed immediate health concerns but also laid the groundwork for sustainable improvements in public health infrastructure. Obsa is recognized for combining hands-on field experience with a research-driven approach, making him a unique asset in the ongoing pursuit of health equity and quality service provision in Ethiopia.
COLLABORATIONS AND IMPACT 🌍
Throughout his career, Obsa has built impactful partnerships with governmental bodies, NGOs, and academic institutions. Notably, he has collaborated with the Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia, regional health bureaus, and UNICEF during crucial times like the COVID-19 pandemic. His collaborative projects have addressed vaccine safety, maternal health, and service delivery effectiveness. These partnerships not only amplified the reach of his research but also ensured that outcomes translated into practical improvements in healthcare delivery and policy formulation. Working alongside international and national stakeholders, Obsa has positioned himself as a bridge between field-level realities and strategic health interventions. His capacity to harmonize academic insight with operational action has made his collaborations especially valuable. These efforts have contributed to building resilient health systems, reinforcing public trust, and promoting evidence-based practices that extend far beyond immediate project timelines.
HONORS AND PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS 🏅
Obsa’s work has earned him recognition in the field of public health research and vaccine monitoring. A nominee for the prestigious International Research Awards on Infectious Diseases, he stands out for his research excellence and technical contributions during critical periods such as the pandemic. Though his journey is still evolving, his inclusion in such global award categories signals the broader impact and credibility of his efforts. He is also an active member of the Ethiopian Public Health Association, where he engages with a professional community committed to advancing national health agendas. While he does not yet hold editorial appointments or patents, his growing publication record and affiliations with institutions like Haramaya University demonstrate his deepening engagement with both the academic and applied dimensions of public health. These affiliations underscore a reputation built on credibility, collaboration, and a drive for continual learning.
VISION AND FUTURE LEGACY 🚀
Obsa Anbessa Gonfa envisions a future where health systems in Ethiopia and beyond are resilient, inclusive, and driven by data-informed policies. His future aspirations center on deepening his research into vaccine pharmacovigilance and expanding community-based health innovations. He aims to strengthen surveillance infrastructures and foster collaborations that transcend regional boundaries, contributing to global infectious disease preparedness. As a mentor and leader, he seeks to cultivate a new generation of public health professionals grounded in research and committed to health equity. His work during the COVID-19 pandemic has already set a foundation for long-term influence in health systems strengthening. Looking forward, Obsa is determined to blend policy-relevant research with real-world solutions, ensuring that his legacy includes both institutional advancements and healthier communities. His future contributions are poised to not only extend the reach of his past work but to inspire systemic change across public health domains.
NOTABLE PUBLICATION
Title: HIV testing acceptance and its associated factors among key and priority populations in Harar town, Harari region, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Obsa Anbessa, Zawudu Tesema, Eyasu Amante, Tadesse Dufera, Abdi Birhanu
Journal: BMC Infectious Diseases
Publication Date: 2025-04-24
Title: Incidence and Predictors of Severe Adverse Drug Reactions among Patients on Antiretroviral Drugs in Harari Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Obsa Anbessa, Behailu Hawulte, Tariku Dingeta, Abdi Birhanu, Arif Siddiqui
Journal: Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology
Publication Date: 2024-01-19