We Are Project HOPE: Dr. Tekleab Zaid, Ethiopia

Ethiopia is experiencing a worrying spike in COVID-19 cases, including its largest single-day increase of cases on August 15. With nearly 29,000 confirmed cases and over 500 deaths as of mid-August, there are growing concerns that the virus is rapidly spreading, particularly among more vulnerable populations near the country’s borders.

In July, Project HOPE launched a six-month program to improve COVID-19 prevention, preparedness, and case management for vulnerable populations in two regions of Ethiopia: Dire Dawa city and Somali Regional State. Though these areas comprise less than 5% of Ethiopia’s population, by June they had totaled more than 12% of the country’s confirmed COVID-19 cases.

In the Somali region — which borders Djibouti, Somalia, and Kenya — many of the new cases are among returnees from neighboring countries. Additionally, the Somali region hosts nearly 200,000 refugees, mainly from Somalia, in addition to large numbers of internally displaced people and migrants. The majority of the population are pastoralists who move their herds in search of food and water, and who are particularly vulnerable to climate shocks and the effects of a highly transmissible disease like COVID-19.

Read on to meet a doctor at the heart of our COVID-19 response in Ethiopia, and learn more about our global response to COVID-19.

What is your background, and how did you end up at Project HOPE?

My name is Dr. Tekleab Zaid, and I am the Training and Case Management Specialist for Project HOPE’s COVID-19 response in Ethiopia.

I’ve only been with Project HOPE for a few weeks, but I knew a lot about the organization before I started. Previously, I worked with Abt Associates Inc. for nearly 12 years, where I was involved with a comprehensive HIV/AIDS program that worked with the government, the private sector, and non-profits. I am a public health professional with more than 30 years’ experience in clinical medicine and also the father of two engineers.

How did you get started in development work?

I got into development work by working with Angolan Refugees in Zambia at Mayukwayukwa Refugee Settlement, one of the oldest refugee camps which opened in 1965. I worked there as a medical coordinator responsible for health, nutrition, and sanitation.

How bad is COVID-19 in Ethiopia? What kind of impact do you hope to achieve?

So far, Ethiopia has reported more than 28,000 positive cases of COVID-19, with over 500 deaths. That’s with a total of nearly 590,000 tests done so far.

Project HOPE’s program, funded by OFDA, will benefit health care workers and vulnerable population groups, including internally displaced people, in the city of Dire Dawa and the Somali Regional State.

The project will mainly target districts and health facilities serving a huge number of internally displaced people and vulnerable populations in both regions. Primarily, it will focus on strengthening the health workforce, communicating to communities, and ensuring standardized and updated care and treatment for people affected by COVID-19.

What’s one thing people might not realize about Ethiopia?

What motivates you in your job and keeps you going?

I’m motivated by the opportunity to create change by combining development work with local capacity. Even in my short time here, I’ve heard many stories about Project HOPE from people about how they’re open about their HIV status, they encourage others to get tested for HIV before they get married, and how they teach others to take care of their own health.

How you can help

Make a lifesaving gift to support our work now and for the future at projecthope.org/donate.

Are you a healthcare or other professional who would like to learn more about volunteering abroad with Project HOPE? Learn more about our volunteer program and join our volunteer roster.

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