Minister of HealthFederal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Dr. Lia Tadesse Gebremedhin became the Minister of Health (MoH) of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in March 2020. Prior to this appointment, she served as State Minister of Health since November 2018 leading the national health programs under the Health Sector Transformation Strategy.
Dr. Lia is an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with extensive experience as a clinician, in healthcare leadership, academia, and in hospital and program management with over twenty years’ experience.
Prior to joining MoH, Dr. Lia Tadesse served as Program Director at the University of Michigan’s Center for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT) in Ann Arbor, Michigan where she has successfully partnered with several institutions, both in Ethiopia and Rwanda, to increase the quality of reproductive health services and training.
Serving as the CEO and Vice Provost of St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC) in Addis Ababa for seven years, Dr Lia has led the hospital’s services and academic reforms, including forging collaborative relationships with several national and international stakeholders. Dr. Lia, was also Project Director of USAID’s Maternal and Child Survival Program (MCSP) at Jhpiego-Ethiopia prior to joining CIRHT after leaving SPHMMC.
Dr. Lia’s passion is strengthening and reforming health systems and has received recognition for her accomplishments, advocacy for gender equity in access to quality health services and training.
Dr. Lia Tadesse earned her medical degree from Jimma University, speciality training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from Addis Ababa University and a Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration from Jimma University.