Zerihun S. Kasa is a highly skilled Infection prevention and control (IPC) specialist with nearly three years of dedicated service at the Global One Health initiative (GOHi) in Ethiopia. In his current role, he serves as an IPC officer at Zewditu Memorial Hospital in Addis Ababa, where he is at the forefront of a project aimed at combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). As a key player in the implementation of the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s GAIHN-AMR module, Kasa has been instrumental in establishing and maintaining infection control measures designed to curb the spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens, positioning Zewditu Memorial Hospital as a national model for infection prevention.
Kasa’s diverse academic background and extensive professional experience set him apart as a dynamic healthcare leader. He holds a nursing degree, a master of public health in nutrition, and has studied dental surgery, making him uniquely equipped to address health challenges from a holistic, multidisciplinary perspective. His career spans various roles, including nursing practice in rural Ethiopia as well as nutrition and program management in the Somali region. His experiences in some of Ethiopia’s most remote regions – Sidama and the Somali region – underscore his ability to thrive in resource-limited environments and navigate complex healthcare settings.
In his current role, Kasa has led a transformative shift in infection control practices, particularly within the Central ICU, through his tireless efforts to implement robust systems and build the capacity of his colleagues. His dedication has not only improved infection control at his facility but has also earned Zewditu Memorial Hospital national recognition as an exemplary site for IPC practices. His success is attributed to his meticulous attention to detail, unwavering consistency, and commitment to excellence – qualities that have been essential to his achievements.
Kasa’s exceptional professionalism and leadership have been pivotal in the successful implementation of the GAIHN-AR AMR project in Ethiopia. His contributions have also been vital for materialization of GOHi’s mission to expand capacity for a One Health approach and its vision to build a skilled workforce and institutional systems that support and advance a healthy, enduring global community.