Helina Worku, MD, MPH
Addis Ababa,Ethiopia
Summary
A highly experienced Medical Doctor and Public Health professional with over 20 years of progressive responsibility in public health management and organizational development. Proven leadership in health systems strengthening, policy development, strategic planning, and program implementation across multiple domains including Primary Health Care, Health Care Financing, Health Workforce, Supply Chain, and Digital Health. Adept at managing cross-functional teams, mentoring professionals, and navigating complex donor and government relationships. Recognized for strategic vision, effective team leadership, and a passion for developing others.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy Director for the Health Office
USAID/Ethiopia
01.2020 - Current
- Provided strategic leadership to flagship Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) initiatives—Health Care Financing, Human Resources for Health, Supply Chain Management, and Digital Health—contributing to the modernization and resilience of Ethiopia’s national health system.
- Directed the operational management of a $200 million annual health portfolio, overseeing strategic planning, budget execution, performance monitoring, program evaluation, and adaptive learning processes.
- Led and mentored a multidisciplinary team of senior local and international experts, fostering a high-performance culture and ensuring effective program delivery across multiple technical areas.
Health System Strengthening A/Team Leader
USAID/Ethiopia
06.2015 - 12.2019
- Provided day-to-day technical, operational, and managerial oversight for the HSS portfolio, ensuring effective delivery of high-impact programs aligned with national priorities.
- Led strategic planning, budgeting, procurement, performance monitoring, and reporting activities across diverse program areas, enabling the team to meet its annual targets and maintain compliance with USAID standards.
- Oversaw the design of four multiyear mega health system strengthening projects: Human Resources for Health, Health Care Financing, Supply Chain Management, and Digital Health, each with a five year funding amount ranging between $39 million and $63 million.
- Supported the integration of Primary Health Care services into health system strengthening programs to drive sustainable innovations to improve service quality and system efficiency.
- Supervised and supported a multidisciplinary team, fostering collaboration, capacity development, and accountability among implementing partners and stakeholders.
Deputy HIV and AIDS Team Leader
USAID/Ethiopia
04.2013 - 06.2015
- Provided strategic and technical leadership for the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) portfolio, overseeing programmatic, financial, procurement, and reporting functions to ensure high-impact HIV/AIDS interventions.
- Supported the design, implementation, and monitoring of comprehensive HIV services, including prevention, care and support, antiretroviral treatment (ART), social services, and strategic information systems.
- Coordinated interagency planning and reporting processes, including the annual PEPFAR Country Operational Plan (COP), ensuring alignment with U.S. Government and Ethiopian health priorities.
- Represented USAID/Ethiopia in high-level engagements with government counterparts, donor agencies, and U.S. interagency teams, effectively communicating technical priorities and facilitating policy dialogue.
- Led the development of technical guidance, program evaluations, and learning activities, contributing to improved program performance and accountability across HIV/AIDS initiatives.
Clinical and Community Services Cluster Leader
USAID/Ethiopia
04.2013 - 06.2015
- Provided technical leadership and oversight for a broad portfolio of HIV/AIDS clinical programs, including adult and pediatric treatment, PMTCT, TB/HIV co-management, nutrition, and community-based care and support.
- Coordinated cross-functional implementation teams and led performance management for major implementing partners, ensuring alignment with national guidelines and U.S. Government priorities under PEPFAR.
- Strengthened program integration and quality through development of technical guidance, participation in strategic planning processes, and regular engagement with the Federal Ministry of Health and key stakeholders.
TB/HIV Program Management Specialist
USAID/Ethiopia
11.2008 - 04.2013
- Co-chaired the PEPFAR Interagency Care and Treatment Technical Working Group, coordinating cross-sectoral planning, implementation, and performance reviews.
- Supported the Federal Ministry of Health in updating national guidelines, training curricula, and Global Fund proposals to enhance integrated TB/HIV service delivery.
- Oversaw technical and financial management of key implementing partners, reviewing work plans, performance frameworks, and financial reports.
- Participated in proposal evaluations and technical review panels, contributing to the selection and design of high-impact health interventions.
Medical Director
University of California, San Diego/Ethiopia
05.2006 - 10.2008
- Guided the start-up of the Office by hiring technical and administrative teams.
- Provided strategic and technical leadership for comprehensive HIV/AIDS services across supported health facilities.
- Served as Acting Country Director for five months, managing operations, staff, and external coordination.
- Led program design, monitoring, and evaluation to ensure evidence-based implementation and quality improvement.
- Delivered clinical mentorship and training to enhance provider capacity in HIV and TB/HIV care.
TB and ART Coordinator and TB Clinician
Armed Forces Teaching General Hospital
01.2004 - 05.2006
- Led coordination and day-to-day management of the hospital’s ART and TB clinics, providing clinical oversight and ensuring integrated care for patients with TB, HIV, and TB/HIV co-infection.
- Delivered comprehensive clinical services, including diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of TB and HIV patients, with a focus on improving patient outcomes and adherence.
- Prepared and monitored quarterly and annual operational plans and performance reports for ART and TB services.
- Provided bedside teaching and delivered lectures to Health Officer students, contributing to clinical training and academic development.
- Acted as General Practitioners’ Coordinator, managing deployment, supervision, and performance tracking of medical officers and health officers within the hospital.
Medical Director and General Medical Practitioner
Dogali Higher Clinic
07.2003 - 12.2003
- Led diverse team of medical and administrative professionals in day-to-day clinic activities such as patient care, new business development, and patient relations.
- Treating in- and out-patient clients of the clinic.
- Supporting the lab and drug logistics of the clinic.
Education
Masters - Public Health
Gondar School of Public Health And Addis Continental Institute of Public Health
Doctor of Medicine - undefined
Addis Ababa University- Faculty of Medicine
01.2003
Completed primary, secondary and high school - undefined
Nazareth School
01.1995
Skills
- Computer Application software
- Organizational development
- Program implementation
- Strategic planning
- Policy analysis
- Workforce planning
- Staff development
- Stakeholder engagement
- Grant proposals
Accomplishments
- Provided strategic leadership in the development of three consecutive five-year strategic plans for USAID/Ethiopia, aligning mission objectives with evolving national health priorities and U.S. government foreign assistance goals.
- Led the successful reorganization of the USAID/Ethiopia Health Office, optimizing a team of 52 technical and administrative staff to ensure a fit-for-purpose structure that enhances program delivery and operational efficiency.
- Designed and led the planning of multi-year Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) initiatives, securing $180 million in funding over five years to support transformative health sector improvements in Ethiopia.
- Contributed to the advancement of USAID’s global health agenda through a rotation at USAID/Washington, supporting the development of global initiatives to strengthen Primary Health Care systems worldwide.
Professional Affiliation
- Ethiopian public Health Association, Member
- Ethiopian General Medical Practitioners Association, Executive Committee Member for 4 years (2006 -2010)
- Ethiopian Medical Association, Member
- Entoto Toastmasters Club, Executive Committee; June 2019
Skills And Hobbies
Possess the necessary technical skills (Microsoft Office and Google, Data Analytic tools, Project Management Tools, AI tools) and soft skills (organizational development, communication, problem-solving, conflict management, leadership and initiative, strategic planning and execution).
Personal Qualities
- Good Managerial, leadership and analytical skill
- Self-motivated and practical
- Self-confident, organized and good team-player
- Flexible and able to work under pressure in complex situations
Awards and Recognition
- Employee of the Year Meritorious Honor Award, U.S. Department of State (2022)
- Mission Honor Award, U.S. Department of State (2023, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2012, 2009)
- Exemplary PHC Service Award, U.S. Department of State (2024)
- Meritorious Honor Award, U.S. Department of State (2014, 2012, 2009)
- Eagle Award, U.S. Department of State (2019, 2020, 2021)
- Franklin Award, U.S. Department of State (2010)
- On the Spot Cash Award, USAID/Ethiopia (2025, 2024, 2021, 2019, 2017, 2012)
Languages
English
Full Professional
French
Limited Working
Amharic
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Deputy Director for the Health Office
USAID/Ethiopia
01.2020 - Current
Health System Strengthening A/Team Leader
USAID/Ethiopia
06.2015 - 12.2019
Deputy HIV and AIDS Team Leader
USAID/Ethiopia
04.2013 - 06.2015
Clinical and Community Services Cluster Leader
USAID/Ethiopia
04.2013 - 06.2015
TB/HIV Program Management Specialist
USAID/Ethiopia
11.2008 - 04.2013
Medical Director
University of California, San Diego/Ethiopia
05.2006 - 10.2008
TB and ART Coordinator and TB Clinician
Armed Forces Teaching General Hospital
01.2004 - 05.2006
Medical Director and General Medical Practitioner
Dogali Higher Clinic
07.2003 - 12.2003
Doctor of Medicine - undefined
Addis Ababa University- Faculty of Medicine
Completed primary, secondary and high school - undefined
Nazareth School
Masters - Public Health
Gondar School of Public Health And Addis Continental Institute of Public Health
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