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Yakob Ahmed

Yakob Ahmed


Country Director
Bend, Oregon, United States

Professional Overview


Yakob Ahmed is an accomplished public health expert and seasoned healthcare administrator with a proven track record of driving impactful initiatives in both the public and private sectors. As the Country Director at ReachAnother Foundation, he leverages his extensive experience in healthcare policy, program management, and executive leadership to spearhead the organization's mission of improving access to quality healthcare services globally. Additionally, Yakob co-founded Family Insurance - Health & Life, where he applies his deep industry knowledge to provide innovative insurance solutions to underserved communities.

Experience Summary



Current Roles


Country Director, ReachAnother Foundation (2022-07-01 to Present)
  • Providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for the organization's country-level programs and initiatives

  • Collaborating with local stakeholders to identify and address critical healthcare gaps, ensuring the effective deployment of resources and sustainable impact

  • Spearheading the development and implementation of innovative healthcare delivery models, with a focus on improving accessibility and affordability


Co-Founder, Family Insurance - Health & Life (2024-08-01 to Present)
  • Leveraging deep industry expertise to co-found a pioneering insurance company dedicated to providing comprehensive health and life coverage to underserved communities

  • Driving the development of tailored insurance products and services that cater to the unique needs of target populations

  • Leading the company's strategic planning and business development efforts to ensure long-term growth and sustainability


Career Progression


Public Health Policy Fellow, Institute of International Education (2021-08-01 to 2022-12-01)
  • Conducted in-depth research and policy analysis to inform the design and implementation of effective public health programs in developing countries

  • Collaborated with international organizations and government agencies to provide evidence-based recommendations for strengthening healthcare systems


National Lead, COVID Case Management and Facility Readiness Taskforce, Federal Ministry of Health Ethiopia (2020-03-01 to 2021-08-01)
  • Spearheaded the coordination and execution of the country's COVID-19 response efforts, ensuring the seamless integration of case management protocols and healthcare facility preparedness

  • Played a pivotal role in reducing the spread of the pandemic and mitigating its impact on vulnerable populations


Director General for Medical Services, Federal Ministry of Health Ethiopia (2018-11-01 to 2021-08-01)
  • Provided strategic oversight and leadership for the country's medical services, overseeing the development and implementation of comprehensive healthcare policies and programs

  • Championed the expansion of primary healthcare services and the integration of innovative technologies to enhance service delivery


Academic Background


Yakob Ahmed holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where he specialized in Global Health and Health Policy. He also obtained a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from the Addis Ababa University School of Medicine.

Areas of Expertise


  • Healthcare policy and program management

  • Primary healthcare delivery and system strengthening

  • Public health emergency preparedness and response

  • Healthcare administration and executive leadership

  • Health insurance and innovative financing models


Professional Impact


  • Spearheaded the development and implementation of a national COVID-19 case management and healthcare facility readiness strategy that significantly improved patient outcomes and healthcare system resilience in Ethiopia

  • Pioneered the integration of digital health technologies, such as telemedicine and mobile health platforms, to enhance healthcare accessibility and patient engagement in rural and underserved communities

  • Played a pivotal role in the expansion of Ethiopia's primary healthcare system, contributing to the improvement of maternal and child health indicators and the reduction of preventable diseases


Conclusion


Yakob Ahmed's extensive experience and proven leadership in the public health and healthcare sectors make him a valuable asset in driving impactful initiatives that improve access to quality healthcare services globally. His collaborative approach, innovative mindset, and commitment to sustainable development position him as a respected industry leader and a trusted partner in achieving positive healthcare outcomes for underserved populations.