PhD in Public Health for Ethiopian-born, Dr Abebe Sorsa Badacho
Growing up in Ethiopia was filled with challenges and aspirations for Dr Abebe Badacho who says he put his head down, worked hard and was proud to complete the hard haul to a doctoral degree in Public Health at UKZN.
Badacho’s other qualifications include a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health and a Masters in Health Services Management from Jimma University in Ethiopia, a Bachelor of Theology from Shiloh College in Ethiopia, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of the People in Pasadena in the United States.
Badacho credits his success to the encouragement and unwavering support of his parents, Mr Sorsa Badacho, and Mrs Ayelech Walaka, his elder brother, Mr Tadese Sorsa, and all his siblings who played crucial roles in his successes.
He says their belief in the transformative power of education inspired him to pursue a career in public health, a field where he could make a tangible impact on people’s lives.
His PhD thesis was titled: “Strengthening and Sustaining Services for Diagnosis of Hypertension and Diabetes in People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus on Antiretroviral Therapy at Primary Health Care Facilities in Ethiopia”. His work integrated clinical and behavioural health perspectives, addressing the intersection of HIV and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension.
Badacho developed a sustainable model of Integrated Hypertension/Diabetes with HIV care for People Living with HIV (InteHTN/DM-HIV4PLWH) for Diagnosis Management of Hypertension and Diabetes in People Living with HIV (PLWH) receiving HIV care from primary health-care facilities, based on the World Health Organization’s Innovative Care for Chronic Conditions (ICCC) model. This model aims to integrate hypertension and diabetes screening and treatment into HIV care at primary healthcare (PHC) facilities, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to patient management.
His research uncovered critical gaps in the Ethiopian healthcare system, particularly concerning the diagnosis and management of NCDs among PLWH. Notable findings included:
– There is a significant proportion of undiagnosed hypertension (70.8%) and diabetes (61%) among PLWH.
– There are barriers such as low awareness, lack of health insurance, absence of routine screening, and long waiting times.
– Facilitators including healthcare providers’ commitment, perceived benefits of integration, and feasibility of implementation.
– Sustainability challenges include inadequate trained personnel, weak health financing and lack of essential equipment.
His research has resulted in six publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journals including BMJ Open, Frontiers of Public Health, PLOS ONE, BMC Primary Care, Frontiers of Cardiovascular Medicine, and Sage Open Medicine. His findings offer a pathway to improving integrated care for PLWH, and he advocates for the full implementation of his model to enhance early diagnosis, reduce mortality, and improve the quality of life of patients.
Badacho, Assistant Professor at the School of Public Health at Wolaita Sodo University in Ethiopia, is dedicated to advancing research that empowers communities and strengthens healthcare systems. His future aspirations include fostering international collaborations, implementing research-driven healthcare solutions, and continuing his mission to enhance integrated service delivery for public health challenges.
Beyond academia, Badacho is deeply committed to his faith and community service. He finds joy in reading the Bible, worshipping, and participating in mission work. He actively supports Medical missions and collaborates with healthcare teams to provide aid to those in need.
Badacho thanked his PhD supervisor, Professor Ozayr Mahomed, for his invaluable guidance, and HEARD for funding his PhD scholarship. ‘Their support has been instrumental in shaping both my research and academic journey.’
Words: Maryann Francis
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini
