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GOHi staff spotlight: Yamrot Merga Duffa

Yamrot Merga Duffa is a distinguished clinical microbiologist, currently serving as a science expert with the Ohio State Global One Health initiative (GOHi) since 2022. Her journey in microbiology began with a degree in clinical laboratory from Hawassa University, followed by a master’s in diagnostic and public health microbiology from Addis Ababa University, where she conducted pivotal research on the prevalence and bio-profile of uropathogens among pediatric patients. 

Duffa working in a lab.

Duffa’s career is marked by her dedication to continuous learning and professional development, having completed numerous advanced trainings. She has made significant contributions in a number of public facilities where she served before joining GOHi.

As a microbiologist at Zewditu Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa, Duffa is a key player in GOHi’s antimicrobial resistance project, where she has successfully implemented the lab core elements of the GAIHN AR project. She has been instrumental in launching the detection of Carbapenemase-Producing Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales (CP-CREs) using advanced molecular techniques. Her expertise has also been crucial in investigating outbreaks in inpatient units and in launching Ethiopia’s first colonization screening program on CP-CREs.

Duffa’s meticulousness, attention to detail and unwavering commitment to achieving project goals have earned her recognition and appreciation from leading experts in the field. Her contributions have laid a strong foundation for the project’s success. With such an impressive resume, Duffa is poised to continue making significant strides in the surveillance of multidrug-resistant pathogens and advancing molecular microbiology in Ethiopia and beyond. Her dedication and expertise are invaluable assets to the field of clinical microbiology.