Lia Tadesse Gebremedhin

Dr. Lia Tadesse Gebremedhin became the Minister of Health of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in March 2020. Prior to this appointment, she served as State Minister of Health since November 2018, leading the national health programs under the Health Sector Transformation Strategy. 

Dr. Lia is an obstetrician and gynecologist with extensive experience as a clinician, in health care leadership, academia, and hospital and program management, with over 20 years’ experience. 

Prior to joining the ministry of health, Dr. Lia Tadesse served as Program Director at the University of Michigan’s Center for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT) in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she has successfully partnered with several institutions, in both Ethiopia and Rwanda, to increase the quality of reproductive health services and training. 

Serving as the CEO and Vice Provost of St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC) in Addis Ababa for seven years, Dr Lia led the hospital’s services and academic reforms, including forging collaborative relationships with several national and international stakeholders. Dr. Lia was also Project Director of USAID’s Maternal and Child Survival Program (MCSP) at Jhpiego-Ethiopia prior to joining CIRHT after leaving SPHMMC. 

Dr. Lia’s passion is strengthening and reforming health systems, and she has received recognition for her accomplishments and advocacy for gender equity in access to quality health services and training. 

Dr. Lia Tadesse earned her medical degree from Jimma University, specialty training in obstetrics and gynecology from Addis Ababa University, and a master’s degree in health care administration from Jimma University.