Global Health beyond the MDGs > Speakers & Facilitators > Tesfaye

Dr. Markos Tesfaye:

PERSPECTIVES FROM SUB SAHARAN AFRICA OF THE NEW BURDEN OF DISEASES WITH SPECIFIC EMPHASIS ON MENTAL HEALTH 

I am currently working as assistant professor and head of department of psychiatry, Jimma University Ethiopia. As the head of department, I have been responsible to strengthening the academics, research and service as well as making significant contribution to improve mental health care in Ethiopia. In the context of lack of psychiatrists in the national health system, I have taken the leadership in developing mental health specialist program for non-physician clinicians in order to realize decentralization of mental health services so as communities have better access to equitable care. Also, I am taking part in the adaptation of mhGAP for subsequent integration of mental health care into primary care. In addition, I am working as a clinical lead at the psychiatric facility of Jimma University Specialized Hospital which is often cited as a landmark in decentralization of mental health care in Ethiopia. I am also taking leadership to establish rehabilitation farm for people with severe mental illnesses in the south-western part of Ethiopia.

I have been teaching psychiatry for medical students, nurses and health officers since after completion of my medical training. I have been invited and have given lectures at Ludwig Maximillians University, Munich, Germany and Copenhagen School of Global Health, Copenhagen, Denmark. My main research interests are cross-cultural validation of measurements and mental health problems in the context of medical illness of public health importance such as tuberculosis and HIV.