Head of Department of Public Health 

Anteneh Kassa Yalew

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone: +251923342226

An Overview of Department of Public Health 

The Department of Public Health at Wolkite University, under the College of Health Sciences, plays a pivotal role in advancing the health and well-being of communities through education, research, and community service. Established with the aim of producing competent public health professionals, the department focuses on preventing disease, promoting health, and prolonging life among the population.

The department offers undergraduate and potentially postgraduate programs (such as Bachelor of Science in Public Health), designed to equip students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health promotion, disease prevention, and health systems management. Through partnerships with health institutions and communities, students gain field experience that prepares them to work in various health sectors across Ethiopia and beyond.

Objectives/Goals

The key objectives and goals of the Public Health Department are:

1.      Human Resource Development:

·         To train highly qualified public health professionals who are capable of identifying and addressing community health problems using scientific and ethical approaches.

2.      Preventive and Promotive Health Focus:

·         To produce graduates with a strong foundation in disease prevention, health promotion, and community-based health care.

3.      Research and Evidence-Based Practice:

·         To foster a culture of research that supports evidence-based public health practices and informs policy and program decisions.

4.      Community Engagement and Service:

·         To engage in active collaboration with communities and health sectors to improve health outcomes and address local health challenges.

5.      Leadership and Policy Influence:

·         To prepare graduates to take leadership roles in public health administration, health policy planning, and management.

Duties and Responsibilities

Academic Staff:

·         Develop and deliver high-quality teaching materials in core public health areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy, and community health.

·         Supervise student research projects and field-based practical attachments.

·         Provide academic advising, mentoring, and support to students.

·         Conduct public health research and publish findings to contribute to local and global knowledge.

·         Participate in curriculum development and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Community and Clinical Responsibilities:

·         Coordinate and participate in community diagnosis, outreach programs, and public health campaigns.

·         Collaborate with local health offices and NGOs to implement and evaluate public health interventions.

·     Train and support community health workers and local health professionals through workshops and continuing education programs.

Administrative and Leadership Roles:

·         Develop strategic plans and implement departmental goals in alignment with the university’s vision.

·         Monitor and evaluate academic and community-based programs.

·         Facilitate staff development and coordinate interdepartmental collaborations.

·         Represent the department in academic, research, and policy-making forums at local and national levels.