Yibeltal Alemu
Source: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/15240 Parent: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2707
Associate Professor
Yibeltal Alemu
Email: : y.alemu@uq.edu.au
Phone: : +61 7 334 64722
Positions
Associate Professor : School of Public Health : Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences
Overview
Background
Dr. Yibeltal Assefa Alemu is an Associate Professor of Global Health and Health Systems at the School of Public Health, University of Queensland. His research program focuses on global health, health systems, and primary health care, with a particular emphasis on advancing universal health coverage (UHC) and global health security (GHS). He coordinates and delivers courses on health systems and global health, focusing on developing the next generation of public health leaders through innovative, authentic, and evidence-based education. He also supervises and advises HDR students working on topics such as global health, health systems, primary health care, UHC and GHS.
Before joining the University of Queensland in 2016, Dr. Alemu built an extensive career in health policy, program implementation, and disease control at both national and global levels. Since 2007, he has contributed to the design of implementation and treatment guidelines, as well as monitoring and evaluation frameworks for disease control programs (DCPs). He has led national surveys, surveillance initiatives, and program evaluations in Ethiopia and across sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular focus on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and health systems strengthening.
Leadership and Professional Experience
- Deputy Director General, Ethiopian Public Health Institute (2013–2016): Coordinated national surveys, surveillance, and evaluations on health systems, nutrition, and disease control programs; supervised doctoral and master’s students from Ethiopia and Europe; and examined graduate theses.
- Executive Director, International Institute for Primary Health Care (2015–2016): Founded the institute in collaboration with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, developed its organizational structure, and recruited its inaugural staff.
- Director of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation, Federal HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office, Ethiopia (2010–2013): Designed and implemented monitoring and evaluation systems for Ethiopia’s multisectoral HIV/AIDS response, and coordinated national strategic and operational plans.
- Director of Medical Services, Federal Ministry of Health, Ethiopia (2008–2010): Led health system reforms, including hospital and primary care restructuring and the establishment of a national emergency medical services program.
- Head of the Health Programs Department, Federal HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office (2006–2008): Directed the health sector response to HIV/AIDS and other STIs, developing national guidelines, training manuals, and mentorship programs.
- Medical Director, Humera District Hospital, Ethiopia (2002–2005): Oversaw hospital operations, service delivery, and health outcomes.
- General Medical Practitioner, Humera District Hospital, Ethiopia (2001–2005): Delivered clinical services across outpatient and inpatient departments.
Research, Publications, and Global Engagement
Dr. Alemu has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and played a leading role in the development of 10 national guidelines and training manuals on HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. He has also contributed to more than five WHO global guidelines, including the WHO consolidated antiretroviral therapy (ART) guidelines. His work has significantly shaped Ethiopia’s and other resource-limited settings’ responses to HIV/AIDS and is frequently cited in WHO global policy documents.
He has held influential positions on international expert panels, including:
- WHO Consolidated Guidelines for ARV Use (2015)
- Technical Evaluation Reference Group, Global Fund (2012–2015)
- Core Group for WHO Patient Monitoring System for ARV Use (2013–2014)
- WHO Advisory Group on Task Shifting for HIV Treatment (2007)
Through his leadership, teaching, and research, Dr. Alemu continues to shape policy and practice in global health, health systems, disease control, and primary health care, advancing the global agenda for equitable and sustainable health.
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Availability
Associate Professor Yibeltal Alemu is: : Available for supervision
Fields of research
Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Epidemiology Health Sciences Health services and systems
Qualifications
- Professional Doctorate of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University
- Masters (Coursework) of Science, Institute of Tropical Medicine
- Doctor of Philosophy, Free University of Brussels VUB
Research interests
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Strengthening health systems towards universal health coverage and health security
My research examines how health systems can be designed and strengthened to advance Universal Health Coverage by improving access, equity, quality, and financial protection. I focus on identifying system-level enablers and barriers, evaluating health financing reforms, and promoting integrated primary health care models that ensure no one is left behind. I explore how primary health care can serve as the foundation for equitable and sustainable health systems. My work emphasises community-based strategies, frontline workforce development, and service integration to enhance continuity, responsiveness, and population health outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. My research investigates how health systems can better anticipate, prevent, and respond to infectious disease threats. I study governance, surveillance, and response mechanisms that strengthen resilience, linking epidemic preparedness with Universal Health Coverage and global health security frameworks to promote sustainable, coordinated action in times of crisis.
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Research impacts
His research program has evolved from models of care to scale-up disease control programs to systems approaches towards universal health coverage and health security. The introduction and large-scale expansion of disease control program interventions (such as HIV treatment) can have positive or negative effects on health systems' performance, which also impacts the progress towards universal access to other priority interventions. A lack of knowledge on effective, efficient and sustainable models of care, due to the complex interactions between disease control programs (vertical) and health systems (horizontal), and their unintended consequences. I investigated global approaches to scale up disease control program interventions and identified system-wide effects of disease control programs on the health systems and vice-versa. He addressed this through a comprehensive program of health services and systems research, exploring and describing the strengths and limitations of different approaches to scale-up interventions (at national, regional and global levels), and their system-wide effects.
His research has contributed to the global debate, agenda setting, programming and policy formulation, and practices towards universal access to services to control diseases of global health significance. The significance of his research is shown by its contributions to global and regional guidelines towards universal access to key program interventions, including (i) global recommendations and guidelines on task shifting for scaling up HIV treatment; (ii) consolidated guidelines on the use of antiretroviral drugs for treating and preventing HIV infection; (iii) concept note for engaging in the global debates on health systems strengthening; (iv) consolidated strategic information guidelines for HIV; (v) consolidated guidelines for programmatic management of latent TB infection; and (vi) national guidelines to scale up disease control program interventions in Ethiopia and other countries in Africa. The scale-up of services to populations and locations would not have been possible without our input on adaptations to recommendations for local contexts in the guidelines, as evidenced by the number of people tested and receiving treatment for HIV and TB over time.
This body of work led to invitations to participate in several presentations, plenaries, and keynote addresses at global, regional, and national conferences on disease control and health systems. He joined more than ten advisory committees for the development of global and regional guidelines to scale up interventions towards universal access. The key global advisory committees were: Primary Health Care Investment Case Global Working Party (Since 2020); WHO’s programmatic management of TB (2016-18); WHO’s consolidated guidelines for ARV use (2013–15); Technical Evaluation Reference Group for the Global Fund (2012–15); WHO’s patient monitoring system (2013–14); WHO’s HIV patient retention in care (2011–12); WHO’s Global TB/HIV collaboration (2007–10); and, WHO's task shifting for HIV treatment (2006-7). I have also contributed to regional and national health technical advisory bodies in Africa and Ethiopia.
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Works
Search Professor Yibeltal Alemu’s works on UQ eSpace
All (203) Book (1) Journal Article (192) Conference Publication (9) Book Chapter (1)
2026
Journal Article
Trend analysis and modelling of universal health coverage, Ethiopia
Assefa, Yibeltal, Assefa Gelaw, Yalemzewod, Endalamaw, Aklilu, Wolka, Eskinder and Zewdie, Anteneh (2026). Trend analysis and modelling of universal health coverage, Ethiopia. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 104 (01), 8-16. doi: 10.2471/blt.24.292995
Trend analysis and modelling of universal health coverage, Ethiopia
2025
Journal Article
The successful scaling-up of antiretroviral therapy globally has many lessons for advancing universal health coverage: progress at risk
Assefa, Yibeltal, Ooms, Gorik, Komatsu, Ryuichi, Woldeyohannes, Solomon and Gilks, Charles F. (2025). The successful scaling-up of antiretroviral therapy globally has many lessons for advancing universal health coverage: progress at risk. Globalization and Health. doi: 10.1186/s12992-025-01181-w
2025
Journal Article
Increasing childhood illnesses (diarrhea and fever) and decreasing care-seeking practices in Nepal: insights from three most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (2011, 2016 and 2022)
Khatri, Resham B., Dhital, Rolina, Tuladhar, Sabita, Mishra, Ravi Kanta and Assefa, Yibeltal (2025). Increasing childhood illnesses (diarrhea and fever) and decreasing care-seeking practices in Nepal: insights from three most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (2011, 2016 and 2022). PLoS Global Public Health, 5 (12) e0005651. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0005651
2025
Journal Article
Client preferences in noncommunicable diseases management in Australia: a scoping review
Endalamaw, Aklilu, Darssan, Darsy, Khatri, Resham B. and Assefa, Yibeltal (2025). Client preferences in noncommunicable diseases management in Australia: a scoping review. PLoS Global Public Health, 5 (12) e0005568. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0005568
Client preferences in noncommunicable diseases management in Australia: a scoping review
2025
Journal Article
Sexual health literacy and education programs for culturally and linguistically diverse young people living in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom: a scoping review of content evaluations
Wagstaff, Ruth, Daken, Kirstie, Mullens, Amy B., Moran, Claire, Gu, Zhihong, Alemu, Yibeltal and Dean, Judith A. (2025). Sexual health literacy and education programs for culturally and linguistically diverse young people living in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom: a scoping review of content evaluations. Health Education Research, 40 (6) cyaf056. doi: 10.1093/her/cyaf056
2025
Journal Article
Unpacking equity trends and gaps in Nepal's progress on maternal health service utilization: insights from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (2011, 2016 and 2022)
Khatri, Resham B., Dhital, Rolina, Tuladhar, Sabita, Bhatta, Nisha Joshi and Assefa, Yibeltal (2025). Unpacking equity trends and gaps in Nepal's progress on maternal health service utilization: insights from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (2011, 2016 and 2022). PLoS one, 20 (11) e0337434, e0337434. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0337434
2025
Journal Article
A scoping review of the levels, implementation strategies, enablers, and barriers to cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer screening among migrant populations in selected English-speaking high-income countries
Khatri, Resham B., Endalamaw, Aklilu, Darssan, Darsy and Assefa, Yibeltal (2025). A scoping review of the levels, implementation strategies, enablers, and barriers to cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer screening among migrant populations in selected English-speaking high-income countries. PLOS One, 20 (8) e0329854, e0329854-8. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0329854
2025
Journal Article
Multidimensional performance enablers of Ethiopian community-based health extension program: a scoping review
Godana, Kora Tushune, Birhanu, Zewdie, Nemera, Gugsa, Eba, Kasahun, Balcha, Fikadu, Assefa, Yibeltal, Damme, Wim V. and Decat, Peter (2025). Multidimensional performance enablers of Ethiopian community-based health extension program: a scoping review. PLoS One, 20 (6) e0324377. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0324377
2025
Journal Article
To what extent is equity entrenched in HIV/AIDS-related policy documents in Ethiopia? A policy content analysis
Endalamaw, Aklilu, Gilks, Charles F. and Assefa, Yibeltal (2025). To what extent is equity entrenched in HIV/AIDS-related policy documents in Ethiopia? A policy content analysis. Health Research Policy and Systems, 23 (1) 64, 1-13. doi: 10.1186/s12961-025-01292-1
2025
Journal Article
Is global health security worth 0.01% of our gross domestic product?
Ooms, Gorik, Assefa, Yibeltal, Charalambous, Salome, Dah, Ter Tiero Elias, Decoster, Kristof, de Jong, Bouke, Hensen, Bernadette, Komatsu, Ryuichi, Magloire, Natama Hamtandi, Mitchell, Ellen M.H., Reyniers, Thijs, Rosanas-Urgell, Anna, Tarrafeta-Sayas, Maria-Belen, Tinto, Halidou, Whiteside, Alan and Ravinetto, Raffaella (2025). Is global health security worth 0.01% of our gross domestic product?. PLOS Global Public Health, 5 (5) e0004491, e0004491. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0004491
Is global health security worth 0.01% of our gross domestic product?
2025
Journal Article
Strengthening primary health care in Ethiopia: A scoping review of successes, challenges, and pathways towards universal health coverage using the WHO monitoring framework
Mengistu, Tesfaye S., Endalamaw, Aklilu, Zewdie, Anteneh, Wolka, Eskinder and Assefa, Yibeltal (2025). Strengthening primary health care in Ethiopia: A scoping review of successes, challenges, and pathways towards universal health coverage using the WHO monitoring framework. PLoS Global Public Health, 5 (4) e0004470, 1-27. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0004470
2025
Journal Article
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on governmental hospitals performance indicators in city of Yazd, Iran: an interrupted time-series analysis
Ranjbar, Mohammad, Bazyar, Mohammad, Sarkari, Ommolbanin, Ameri, Hossein, Angell, Blake and Assefa, Yibeltal (2025). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on governmental hospitals performance indicators in city of Yazd, Iran: an interrupted time-series analysis. BMC Health Services Research, 25 (1) 438, 438-1. doi: 10.1186/s12913-025-12587-y
2025
Journal Article
A scoping review of knowledge translation in strengthening health policy and practice: sources, platforms, tools, opportunities, and challenges
Khatri, Resham B., Endalamaw, Aklilu, Mengistu, Tesfaye, Erku, Daniel, Wolka, Eskinder, Nigatu, Frehiwot, Zewdie, Anteneh and Assefa, Yibeltal (2025). A scoping review of knowledge translation in strengthening health policy and practice: sources, platforms, tools, opportunities, and challenges. Archives of Public Health, 83 (1) 78, 78. doi: 10.1186/s13690-025-01567-7
2025
Journal Article
Universal health coverage - Exploring the what, how, and why using realist review
Endalamaw, Aklilu, Mengistu, Tesfaye Setegn, Khatri, Resham B., Wolka, Eskinder, Erku, Daniel, Zewdie, Anteneh and Assefa, Yibeltal (2025). Universal health coverage - Exploring the what, how, and why using realist review. PLoS Global Public Health, 5 (3) e0003330, 1-22. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003330
Universal health coverage - Exploring the what, how, and why using realist review
2025
Journal Article
A scoping review of digital health technologies in multimorbidity management: mechanisms, outcomes, challenges, and strategies
Endalamaw, Aklilu, Zewdie, Anteneh, Wolka, Eskinder and Assefa, Yibeltal (2025). A scoping review of digital health technologies in multimorbidity management: mechanisms, outcomes, challenges, and strategies. BMC Health Services Research, 25 (1) 382, 1-16. doi: 10.1186/s12913-025-12548-5
2025
Journal Article
Contribution of health system governance in delivering primary health care services for universal health coverage: A scoping review
Khatri, Resham B., Endalamaw, Aklilu, Erku, Daniel, Wolka, Eskinder, Nigatu, Frehiwot, Zewdie, Anteneh and Assefa, Yibeltal (2025). Contribution of health system governance in delivering primary health care services for universal health coverage: A scoping review. PLoS One, 20 (2) e0318244, 1-21. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0318244
2025
Journal Article
Capacity-building interventions for health extension workers in Ethiopia: A scoping review
Astale, Tigist, Mesele, Helina, Pasquino, Sarah-Louise, Zewdie, Anteneh, Wolka, Eskinder, Endalamaw, Aklilu, Assefa, Yibeltal and Mitike, Getnet (2025). Capacity-building interventions for health extension workers in Ethiopia: A scoping review. PLoS One, 20 (1) e0317198, 1-20. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0317198
Capacity-building interventions for health extension workers in Ethiopia: A scoping review
2024
Journal Article
Effective coverage of maternal and neonatal healthcare services in low-and middle-income countries: a scoping review
Kassie, Ayelign Mengesha, Eakin, Elizabeth, Endalamaw, Aklilu, Zewdie, Anteneh, Wolka, Eskinder and Assefa, Yibeltal (2024). Effective coverage of maternal and neonatal healthcare services in low-and middle-income countries: a scoping review. BMC Health Services Research, 24 (1) 1601, 1-11. doi: 10.1186/s12913-024-12085-7
2024
Journal Article
A scoping review of modifiable and behavioural drivers of infectious gastroenteritis among children in high-income countries
Abate, Megbaru Alemu, Robbins-Hill, Alexandra, Lawler, Sheleigh, Assefa, Yibeltal and Reid, Simon (2024). A scoping review of modifiable and behavioural drivers of infectious gastroenteritis among children in high-income countries. Archives of Public Health, 82 (1) 145. doi: 10.1186/s13690-024-01375-5
2024
Journal Article
Explaining inequity in knowledge, attitude, and services related to HIV/AIDS: a systematic review
Endalamaw, Aklilu, Gilks, Charles F., Ambaw, Fentie, Shiferaw, Wondimeneh Shibabaw and Assefa, Yibeltal (2024). Explaining inequity in knowledge, attitude, and services related to HIV/AIDS: a systematic review. BMC Public Health, 24 (1) 1815, 1815. doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-19329-5
Explaining inequity in knowledge, attitude, and services related to HIV/AIDS: a systematic review
Funding
Past funding
- 2020 - 2023
Sexual and reproductive health literacy of young culturally and linguistically diverse Queenslanders
Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine
Open grant - 2016 - 2019
Models of service delivery towards ending the AIDS epidemic in resource-limited settings
UQ Fellowships
Supervision
Availability
Associate Professor Yibeltal Alemu is: : Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Equitable access to COVID-19 vaccine in low- and middle-income countries
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Katherine Morley - Doctor Philosophy
##### Analysis of the epidemiology of and the response to HIV/AIDS in South Sudan
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Judith Dean - Doctor Philosophy
##### Assessing Climate-Resilience of the Nepal Health System
Principal Advisor - Doctor Philosophy
##### Quality of Labor and Delivery and Neonatal Care Services in the Amhara Region: The Case of Primary Hospitals in North Wollo Zone.
Principal Advisor - Doctor Philosophy
##### The effect of health insurance on maternal and child healthcare utilization and financial risk protection in low and middle-income countries
Principal Advisor - Doctor Philosophy
##### Exploration and evaluation of Sexual and Reproductive Health service uptake for refugee and migrant women in Queensland
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Heena Akbar, Associate Professor Judith Dean - Doctor Philosophy
##### How governance/management practices of organizations influence their performance in delivery of health services (access,quality,equity) in a contracting out model?
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Hebe Gouda - Doctor Philosophy
##### The aetiology, epidemiology and management of diarrhoeal disease in children under 5 years in Ethiopias Amhara. A one health approach focusing on Cryptosporidium and Giardia spp
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Sheleigh Lawler, Professor Simon Reid
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Completed supervision
- 2025
Doctor Philosophy
##### Towards equity in HIV/AIDS services to end the epidemic in Ethiopia
Principal Advisor - 2021
Doctor Philosophy
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emerita Professor Di Eley, Associate Professor Srinivas Kondalsamy Chennakesavan - 2025
Doctor Philosophy
Associate Advisor - 2025
Doctor Philosophy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Simon Reid - 2021
Doctor Philosophy
##### Towards equity of maternal and newborn health services in Nepal
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Melinda Protani - 2020
Doctor Philosophy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Ricardo Soares Magalhaes, Emeritus Professor Gail Williams
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