Professional Summary

Etsay Weldekidan Tsegay is a public health researcher and pharmacist currently serving as the Head of the Department of Modern and Traditional Medicine at the Tigray Health Research Institute (THRI) in Ethiopia. He holds a Master of Science in Pharmacology with great distinction and has over a decade of experience bridging academia, pharmaceutical research, and public health leadership. His expertise spans clinical pharmacotherapy, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), infectious diseases, and advanced quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.

Education and Specialization:

• Master of Science (MSc) in Pharmacology: Mekelle University, Ethiopia (2019). Graduated with Very Great Distinction (CGPA: 3.85/4.00). Thesis on the anticonvulsant activity of Moringa stenopetala.
• Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm): Mekelle University, Ethiopia (2014). Graduated with Very Great Distinction (CGPA: 3.77/4.00).

Current Position:

• Researcher and Department Head, Tigray Health Research Institute (May 2024 – present): Leads the Department of Modern and Traditional Medicine, conducting research on the clinical efficacy, safety, and outcomes of pharmacological therapies (both conventional and alternative). His work includes comparative effectiveness studies, pharmacovigilance, drug safety research, and pharmacoeconomic analyses to support the integration of traditional and modern medicine.

Previous Academic and Industry Experience:

• Lecturer, Department of Pharmacy, Adigrat University (2019-2024): Designed and delivered courses in pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacogenetics; advised undergraduate research; and provided pharmaceutical services at Adigrat General Hospital.
• Research Consultant, Addis Pharmaceutical Factory (APF) PLC (2023-2025): Engaged in pharmaceutical R&D, including analytical method development, stability studies, and data interpretation using HPLC.
• Assistant Lecturer, Adigrat University (2014-2016): Assisted in teaching and preparing laboratory manuals.

Research Expertise and Methodology:
He has extensive experience managing quantitative and qualitative research projects, from proposal writing to dissemination. His quantitative skills include advanced regression models (linear, logistic, Cox proportional hazards), survival analysis, meta-analysis, and ANOVA, executed using SAS, STATA, and R. His qualitative work involves thematic framework and content analysis from in-depth interviews.

Publications and Ongoing Research:
He has authored numerous publications in reputable journals on topics ranging from the effects of micronutrients on health, the impact of war on the health system, epilepsy, and HIV. He is currently involved in major projects, including the REVIVE trial (a multi-centre trial on azithromycin for advanced HIV disease) and a funded study on NCDs and traditional medicine use among HIV patients.

Leadership and Community Service:

• Served as Head of the Pharmacy Department and Secretary of the College Council at Adigrat University.
• Acted as the COVID-19 Rapid Response Team (RRT) focal person for the Eastern Zone of Tigray.
• Provided humanitarian medical support to internally displaced people during the Tigray war.
• Coordinated the Wejerat Development Association, managing hundreds of university student members.

Professional Memberships:
He is a full member of the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Association and the Tigray Health Professionals Association.