PhD Researcher, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Dr. Wako Golicha Wako is currently a PhD researcher at the School of Health in Social Sciences at The University of Edinburgh, UK. With a passion for improving public health outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa, he has made significant contributions to research on maternal and child health, infectious diseases, and health system strengthening. His educational background includes a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Hawassa University, Ethiopia, and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the same institution. With extensive work experience as a lecturer, researcher, and public health consultant, he has played a pivotal role in academic and health program evaluations across Ethiopia. His research focuses on the health challenges faced by rural populations in Ethiopia and other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. His work is aimed at creating evidence-based solutions to improve maternal and child health outcomes and strengthen health systems.
Profile
Orcid
Education
Dr. Wako’s academic journey began at Hawassa University, Ethiopia, where he completed his Bachelor of Science in Public Health in 2012, graduating with a CGPA of 3.79/4. He went on to pursue a Master in Public Health at the same institution, where he excelled academically with a CGPA of 3.94/4. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD in Health in Social Science at The University of Edinburgh, UK. His doctoral research is focused on understanding and addressing public health challenges within the Ethiopian context, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Experience
Dr. Wako has a wealth of experience in teaching, research, and consultancy within the public health sector. He has worked as an assistant professor at Bule Hora University and Woklite University in Ethiopia, where he lectured on public health topics such as epidemiology, research methods, and health systems. In addition, he has served as a research assistant and consultant for multiple international organizations, including Forcier Consulting LLC and Nutrition International, where he played a key role in conducting research on public health programs. His consultancy work has involved evaluating health interventions aimed at improving maternal and child health, managing communicable diseases, and addressing public health emergencies. Through his work with institutions such as UNICEF and Emory University, Dr. Wako has developed expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods, contributing significantly to the public health landscape in Ethiopia.
Research Interests
Dr. Wako’s primary research interests include maternal and child health, health system strengthening, and epidemiology. His work focuses on identifying and addressing the public health challenges faced by vulnerable populations in Ethiopia and Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in rural and marginalized areas. He is particularly interested in neonatal care practices, the impact of maternal education on breastfeeding practices, health system diagnostic delays, and the response to public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Through his research, Dr. Wako seeks to generate evidence that informs policy and practice, aiming to improve health outcomes in the region. He also focuses on the role of community-based health interventions and the integration of health systems in rural Ethiopia.
Award
Dr. Wako’s academic excellence has been recognized through various awards. In 2012, he received a Certificate of Academic Excellence from Hawassa University for ranking first among 55 students in his cohort. This acknowledgment highlights his commitment to high standards in public health education and research. He continues to contribute to the field through his dedication to advancing knowledge and public health practice in Ethiopia and beyond.
Publication Top Note
Wako WG, Beyene BN, Wayessa ZJ, Fikrie A, Amaje E. “Assessment of Neonatal Thermal Cares: Practices and Beliefs among Rural Women in West Guji Zone, South Ethiopia: A Cross-sectional Study.” PLOS Glob Public Health, 2022: 2:e0000568.
Wako WG, Wayessa ZJ, Fikrie A. “Effects of Maternal Education on Early Initiation and Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Secondary Analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys from 2015-2019.” BMJ Open, 2022; 12: e054302.
Wayessa ZJ, Wako WG. “Factors Associated with Knowledge of Health Care Workers Toward COVID‐19 in Health Facilities West Guji Zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2020.” J Edu Health Promot, 2022: 11:43.
Wako WG, Wasie A, Wayessa Z, Fikrie A. “Determinants of Health System Diagnostic Delay of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Gurage and Siltie Zones, South Ethiopia: A Cross-sectional Study.” BMJ Open, 2021; 11(10):e047986.
Fikrie A, Amaje E, Wako WG. “Social Distancing Practice and Associated Factors in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic at West Guji Zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2021: A Community Based Cross-sectional Study.” PLOS One, 2021; 16(12):e0261065.
Abebaw Wasie Kasahun, Haimanot Abebe Adane, Tadele Girum, Wako WG. “Effects of Scaling Up Family Planning on Maternal Survival in Ethiopia: Spectrum Modeling.” International Journal of Women’s Health, 2021; 13:711–716.
Zelalem Jabessa Wayessa, Girma Tufa Melesse, Elias Amaje Hadona, and Wako WG. “Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms Due to COVID-19 and Associated Factors Among Healthcare Workers in Southern Ethiopia.” SAGE Open Medicine, 2021; 9:1–10.
Conclusion
Dr. Wako Golicha Wako’s career exemplifies a commitment to improving public health through research, teaching, and consultancy. With a strong academic background, valuable professional experience, and a focus on addressing pressing health challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Ethiopia, he continues to contribute to the field of public health. His research on neonatal care, maternal health, and health systems has gained recognition and serves as a foundation for ongoing public health improvements. Through his work, Dr. Wako is dedicated to translating research into actionable solutions that can lead to better health outcomes in his region and beyond.