Head of HDSS
Merga Dheresa, an associate professor of maternal and child health, earned his PhD in Public Health (Maternal and Child Health) from Haramaya University in 2018, his MPH in Reproductive Health from Haramaya University in 2010.
Merga Dheresa, an associate professor of maternal and child health, earned his PhD in Public Health (Maternal and Child Health) from Haramaya University in 2018, his MPH in Reproductive Health from Haramaya University in 2010. In addition to the health field, he received his MBA degree in leadership from Lead Star College/Ashland University in 2018. He has been working at Haramaya University since 2006, with different academic ranks. He has immense experience in quantitative and qualitative research methods and leads community-based longitudinal research. Merga has been actively involved in research work and has won more than 19 national and international research grants and projects. He has published more than 100 papers on reputable-peer reviewed journals. His research work focuses on reproductive health, Maternal health, child health, adolescent health, family planning, morbidity, mortality, and Nutrition. He has advised more than 120 MSC and MPH students, and 10 PHD students.
Moreover, he directly participates in health system and program activities: he lead Harari region HIV/AIDS mentorship program at health facilities; he is also working with the Ministry of health in the post, including national health system innovation Think-tank member, senior researcher for burdon of disease t EPHI, and team for Immunization Program Evaluation ResearchOromia regional coordinators for Performance Monitoring for Action longitudinal research on maternal and child health. Furthermore, I am Honorary/Adjunct Associate professor for Addis continetal institute of public health, and Wollega University
He assumes the leadership position, currently, he leads the Hararghe (Kersa) Health and Demographic Surveillance System, which is the largest HDSS in Africa. Merga is a member of different professional associations, including Ethiopian Public Health Association, the International Continence Society, and the Ethiopian Nursing Association. He serves as an Editorial Board for East African Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences, reviewer for journal, Co-chair for Midwifery association advisory council; Steering committee member for Ethiopian Obstetrics Surveillance System (EthOSS); Secretary for Think-tank group of Health and Medical Sciences College